Our Hot Plates, Hot Topics series offers attendees a chance to enjoy a delicious lunch and a presentation by a knowledgeable speaker. Each session features a new speaker and topic. This month's presentation is by speaker Michael Redmond, Executive Director of the Upper Valley Haven.
With the support of the Upper Valley community, the Haven assists those who are experiencing poverty to be free from hunger, to be securely housed, and to pursue a self-directed life. Founded in 1980, the Haven provides food, temporary shelter, supportive housing, children’s after school and summer programs, community outreach, and problem solving support to those in need. The Haven is open 365 days per year, never charges for any of its services, and serves more than 10,000 people annually.
For its food services, the Haven operates a community food market at its main location in White River Junction that supported 3,300 households in 2024 who made more than 18,500 visits. Over 500,000 lbs. of food were donated and the Haven purchased an additional food at a value of $400,000. In addition to the community food market (the second largest in Vermont), the Haven operates community programs for which is provides emergency food bags for the Dartmouth Health system and food supplies to multiple food pantries in the Upper Valley. The Haven also assists with consulting management advice for smaller food pantry operators.
The Haven operates 3 shelters, two in White River Junction and one winter season shelter in Lebanon. The two Vermont shelters are an adult shelter with 20 beds and a family shelter with space for 8 families. The Lebanon Shelter offers beds for 14 people each evening and operates from mid-December to mid-April.
The Haven provides supported housing services in Vermont and New Hampshire in both targeted buildings and the larger community. A total of 78 households are served in this case management program that enrolls people who are in shelter and working towards permanent housing or already in permanent housing. 5 service coordinators work in this program. The Haven also operates community outreach services that support people who need support in the moment or over the long term. Over 450 people participated in services last year.
A children’s after school and summer day camp program provides experiential services to children who are or were unhoused, most having resided or currently live in the Byrne Family Shelter. The goal of the program is to build resilience in these children through supportive activities and learning experiences.
The Haven has 60 employees and an operating budget of $4.8 million supported by private donations from 3,000 individuals, companies, groups and foundations.
Michael Redmond joined the Upper Valley Haven in October, 2018. He came to the Haven after nearly 20 years at the Crotched Mountain Foundation in Greenfield, New Hampshire where he served as Vice President for Advancement, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, among other roles. Prior to his time at the Crotched Mountain Foundation, Michael held leadership positions at nonprofit organizations in New York. Michael’s career has been grounded in care-based organizations serving diverse communities, individuals, and families in need.