Responding to the needs of the community.

Situated at the edge of UNH's campus in downtown Durham, Waysmeet is a hub for area residents in need - students and non-students alike. With the high cost of living, and inadequate or inaccessible public assistance, we hear the challenges our neighbors are facing.

We focus on basic needs support, but at the heart of our programs is the drive to foster community across the UNH and Durham divide so we all can feel more connected.

We are UNH alumni, students, staff, Durham residents, and Oyster River parents and we want to live in a more compassionate community.

Core Programs

The Waysmeet Center operates as a community hub in Durham, NH. Our building functions as an open and welcoming space where individuals and groups can gather, volunteer, and access resources. We provide direct support through three core programs: Cornucopia Food Pantry, affordable housing, and community-building events and partnerships.
Two women smiling and holding a basket of red chili peppers at the Cornucopia Food Pantry.
Two women smiling and holding a basket of red chili peppers at the Cornucopia Food Pantry.

Cornucopia Food Pantry

In 2007 an on-campus food pantry relocated to the basement of our building at 15 Mill Road. Cornucopia Food Pantry is open to the public, which includes UNH students, staff, and local residents. The pantry serves over 110 households each week and is supported by a network of community and student volunteers. Food is sourced through partnerships with local grocery stores, community food drives, the NH Food Bank, and local farms and gardens.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FOOD PANTRY
Group of people holding up various colorful quilts in a decorated room with string lights and bunting, with a round table in the foreground and a thank you sign visible.
Group of people holding up various colorful quilts in a decorated room with string lights and bunting, with a round table in the foreground and a thank you sign visible.

Affordable Residential Community

The affordable residential program provides communal housing for UNH students, with 8 rooms available at 80% of market rate rent. Through regular house meetings, Waysmeet fosters mutual aid, self-awareness, compassion, caring for our shared spaces, and community engagement.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIVING AT WAYSMEET
Group of five people sitting around a table, smiling, with plates of food and cups, in a room with large windows and wooden decor.
Group of five people sitting around a table, smiling, with plates of food and cups, in a room with large windows and wooden decor.

Community-Building Events & Partnerships

hosts and supports a wide range of community events and partnerships, including community dinners, meditation groups, English language tutoring, community gardens, internships, fellowships, and collaborations with local organizations. These programs bring together students and non-students and respond to gaps in local services, including social connection, and basic needs support. 
VIEW OUR CALENDAR
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Emerging & Growing Initiatives

People planting seedlings in raised garden beds in a backyard with trees. 
Contact us to learn more.

Community Gardens

Four smiling young adults standing inside a train station near a sign that reads 'DURHAM.' They are posing for a photo, with the group consisting of two men and two women. One man is giving a thumbs-up gesture.

Support for International Students

A woman smiling and standing behind a large blue crate filled with fresh vegetables, including zucchinis, cucumbers, leafy greens, and beets, outdoors with a wooden barn and green trees in the background.

Work-based Learning Experiences

A two-story home with white exterior and blue shutters. A rainbow flag and a peace symbol are displayed near the front door. The entrance stairs lead to a porch with various signs, including one saying 'The People's Center'. There are bushes and a large rock in the front yard, with signs supporting social justice causes in the yard.

Stewarding 15 Mill Road

Child sitting on an adult's shoulders watching fireworks in the night sky during a celebration or event.

Family Resources