Speare Memorial Hospital has been awarded $500,000 in federal funding through the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) to renovate a hospital-owned building into three transitional housing units for healthcare staff, addressing a critical workforce housing shortage in the Plymouth area.

The funding is part of more than $9 million awarded to New Hampshire projects and $37.2 million awarded regionally across Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont through NBRC’s Fall 2025 Catalyst, Timber for Transit, and Forest Economy programs.

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) welcomed the funding, which supports rural infrastructure, workforce stability, and economic development.

“The Northern Border Regional Commission is an essential partner helping to ensure that rural communities across the Granite State get their fair share of federal resources,” said Senator Shaheen.

Speare Memorial Hospital’s award was made through the NBRC Catalyst Program, which supports projects that strengthen basic public infrastructure and stabilize the rural workforce. The Plymouth project will convert underutilized office space into residential units designed to support short-term housing needs for healthcare professionals relocating to the area.

“This NBRC grant represents a critical investment in addressing our healthcare workforce challenges by providing quality transitional housing that will help us attract and retain the skilled professionals our community needs,” said Michelle McEwen, president and CEO of Speare Memorial Hospital. “By converting underutilized space into housing, we are creating a practical, sustainable solution that strengthens our hospital, supports our staff, and benefits the broader Plymouth community.”

Rural hospitals across New Hampshire face growing challenges related to workforce recruitment and retention, often exacerbated by limited housing availability. The transitional housing units will help ensure continuity of care for patients by reducing barriers for clinicians and healthcare staff seeking to live and work in the region.

In total, NBRC announced 59 new awards across its member states through this funding round, including $31.1 million through the Catalyst Program to support infrastructure projects such as healthcare facilities, water and wastewater systems, childcare centers, and workforce development initiatives.

“This project reflects exactly what the Catalyst Program is designed to do—help rural communities overcome real-world challenges with targeted, locally driven solutions,” McEwen added.

Renovation work is expected to begin following final grant agreements with the housing units made available to healthcare staff upon completion.