Friends of Lafayette House break ground on new addition

PORTSMOUTH – The Friends of Lafayette House are pleased to announce the groundbreaking of a new addition to Lafayette House, a residential home that currently provides housing and community for 12 adults with disabilities.

The 600-square-foot addition will create an efficiency apartment for the home’s longtime house manager and property caretaker. This milestone project reflects the organization’s commitment to supporting both residents and staff in a sustainable, meaningful way.

“Our house manager plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of Lafayette House,” said Executive Director Rene Sullivan. “It isn’t realistic to expect someone to be on call and available for emergencies when they live more than 30 minutes away. By creating on-site housing, we’re making this role sustainable while also addressing the broader issue of workforce housing in our community. Retaining dedicated employees is critical to the success and stability of our residents’ home lives.”

Board member Lynn Spang added, “We are fortunate to have a network of supporters who made this project possible through their generosity. Once the addition is complete this fall, we’ll begin looking for community members who may wish to help furnish the apartment and make it feel like home.”

For the residents of Lafayette House, the home is more than a roof over their heads—it is a place where they bond, celebrate, garden, cook, play basketball, learn new skills, and share laughter and friendship. It is where they return at the end of each day feeling safe, valued, and at home.

Lafayette House is their home—and thanks to the support of the community, it will continue to thrive.

About Lafayette House
Lafayette House provides a supportive and enriching residential environment for adults with disabilities, fostering independence, friendship, and belonging. The Friends of Lafayette House is a volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to sustaining and enhancing the home through fundraising and community partnerships.