Housing for Homeless Proves Hard in Concord

Karen Jantzen has been busy lately, going to the Concord Planning Board to defend her project to build low-barrier apartments on Pleasant Street.

She’s been worried about the number 40, which is the maximum capacity of the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness emergency winter shelter.

At times last year, 50 or more people sought refuge from the cold in a shelter across the street, which has since been sold to a private developer.

She’s directed her staff to travel to all corners of the city to meet individuals at encampment sites to complete intake forms, apply for support like housing vouchers and complete wellness checks.