Bonnie’s story highlights the safety net Hundred Nights provides to individuals and families, regardless of their past, and the positive outcomes when collaborating with partner agencies in support of our unsheltered neighbors.
Chronically homeless for 10 years and active in her addiction most of that time, Bonnie entered a program with Cheshire County Treatment Court in 2022. Eventually, Bonnie resided in a program geared toward women recovering from substance use. But, after 4 ½ months, that program ended, and Bonnie was faced with the stark truth of having nowhere to go, with the responsibility of staying sober and caring for the needs of her baby.
As a native of Keene, Bonnie sought availability at the local shelters, and then statewide shelters, but found nothing available for herself and her son. The human services department at the City of Keene housed Bonnie and her son for 6 months, until a shelter space opened at Hundred Nights in September 2024.
Bonnie admits to feeling defensive and anxious about the move. However, in her words, “It was a breath of fresh air when I went in for my intake and met with Roger (Intake Manager), whom I have known for years.” Seeing the beautiful space and peaceful environment alleviated Bonnie’s anxiety. She reported feeling safe in a space that was clean and stable.
Bonnie continued to work on her parenting skills and continued her path of recovery while attending to the needs of her son in a congregate living situation. Bonnie took steps to keep her son’s rhythm in place, despite the comings and goings of others. She took advantage of the opportunity to have time away from the shelter and connect with other moms and their children.
In February 2025, through collaboration between Cheshire County Treatment Court and the Keene Housing Pathway Home program, Bonnie secured housing! She and her son were able to move into their apartment. She continues to “nest,” collecting the needed items to make the space their home. Bonnie is excited to pursue her associate’s degree and eventually a bachelor’s degree, preferably in social work, with a focus on mental health and substance use disorders. As
someone with lived experience, Bonnie hopes her journey and education can enable her to extend the understanding that she has received, and to be a resource for others searching for their way out of the cycles of addiction and homelessness.
The interagency connection, understanding of individual circumstances, and the ability of Hundred Nights to offer a safe, clean, and warm environment for Bonnie and her son are at the foundation of our mission and values. It’s why we do what we do! And, the generous financial support of our donor network makes it possible for Bonnie and her son, and so many others like them, to move beyond their past and into a healthy, happy future.
