Nashua Coronavirus: Having Problems With Rent? Reach Out Now

NASHUA, NH — Municipal welfare offices in Nashua and area communities want residents to know that if they are falling behind with rent, mortgage, or utilities, reach out for help now, and don't wait until it's too late. Gov. Chris Sununu signed Emergency Order No. 4 temporarily prohibiting evictions and foreclosures — but then filed a second notification making it clear that tenants and property owners that couldn't pay rent or mortgage now still have to pay in full when the state of emergency is lifted.

"All tenants who have difficulty paying their rent are encouraged to communicate with their landlord to develop a payment plan and pay what they can at this time," said Kerry Miller, the city's communications and special projects coordinator. "Many tenants should be able to pay using the expanded unemployment benefits or stimulus funds to pay all or part of their rent."

The governor's updated order also allows landlords to initiate eviction proceedings against tenants who damage property or threaten the health and safety of neighbors.

Officials may be able to help with utility bills, too.

For assistance and guidance, contact your local municipal welfare office / town hall:

• Nashua: 603-589-4555
• Amherst: 603-673-6041
• Brookline: 603-673-8855
• Hollis: 603-465-2209
• Hudson: 603-886-6024
• Merrimack: 603-424-2331
• Milford: 603-249-0600

Other resource agencies providing assistance at this time (this listing may not include all agencies in your area):

• The Front Door Agency: 603-886-2866 or online.
• The Salvation Army: 603-889-5151, Ext. 101 or via e-mail at Rosemarie.Dykeman@use.SalvationArmy.org.
• Southern New Hampshire Services at 603-889-3440 or online.

Residents may also contact NH 2-1-1 for other possible assistance programs.

Stop The Spread Of COVID-19!

COVID-19, not unlike the flu and other respiratory illnesses, is spread through respiratory droplets, usually through coughing and sneezing, and exposure to others who are sick or might be showing symptoms.

Health officials emphasize residents should follow these recommendations:

• Avoid any domestic and international travel, especially on public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes.
• Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet from other people, including distancing while in waiting areas or lines.
• Anybody who is told to self-quarantine and stay at home due to exposure to a person with confirmed or suspect COVID-19 needs to stay home and not go out into public places.
• If you are 60 years or older or have chronic medical conditions, you need to stay home and not go out.
• Avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.
• Employers need to move to telework as much as possible.
• There is increasing evidence that this virus can survive for hours or possibly even a few days on surfaces, so people should clean frequently touched surfaces, including door handles, grocery carts and grocery basket handles, etc.

Take the same precautions as you would if you were sick:

• Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e., social distancing).
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

More information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services about coronavirus can be found here on the department's website.

• Guidance to schools can be found can be found here.
• Instructions for returning travelers to self-observe for symptoms of COVID-19 are available are available here.
• For more information on COVID-19 in NH, visit its site here.
• For the latest information from the CDC, visit its site here.

ALSO READ:

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• NH Health Commissioner: 5 New Coronavirus Deaths Announced
• NH Coronavirus: 91% Negative: False Tests, Flaws, Something Else?
• NH Coronavirus Update: 4 More Deaths, 32 New Cases Announced
• Concord Coronavirus: Testing Site Closed Due To 'Lack Of Volume'

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