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GRANITE LEADERS

The Granite Leaders Program is a leadership and advocacy training designed to bring the voice of lived experience to the conversation on homelessness. There is no one who can speak to the truth of homelessness better than the person who has lived it – no one better suited to share the story, explain the challenges and speak to the resources that truly make a difference – with the transparency, vulnerability and clarity the conversation deserves.

The first cohort to graduate from the Granite Leaders Program was in 2013. Today, the program boasts 59 graduates, many of whom are actively involved in various advocacy efforts working toward the end of homelessness in New Hampshire.

This free, compensated educational program exposes participants to topics including the legislative process, advocacy skills, media and communications, and an understanding of how to be an engaged member of a Board or Council. Participants learn from and interact with a variety of local and state leaders within the field of housing and homelessness. Upon completion of the program, graduates join a network of Granite Leaders Alumni to continue to collaborate, share opportunities, and engage in various advocacy efforts.

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Apply for the 2025 Granite Leaders Cohort – Application Deadline: May 5th, 2025

2025 Granite Leaders Application

2025 Granite Leaders Program Flyer

The Impact

  • A few Granite Leaders are key stakeholders in the development and implementation of the New Hampshire Youth Success Board to address youth and young adult homelessness in the state.
  • Two Granite Leaders are members of the New Hampshire Council on Housing Stability representing people with lived experience.
  • One Granite Leader was an in-studio guest on NH Public Radio’s featured show, The Exchange, discussing how his experience with homelessness impacted his life.
  • Several Granite Leaders have testified at NH Legislative hearings.
  • Other Granite Leaders have been panelists at national and local conferences for educating a variety of providers and stakeholders.
  • One Granite Leader utilized a national blog forum to sharing her experiences with homelessness to raise awareness.
  • Granite Leaders represent and volunteer on multiple non-profit boards and committees.
  • Granite Leaders join the NH Coalition to End Homelessness at countless trainings at universities, housing summits, and community forums to raise awareness of homelessness in our communities.