Art of Welfare Workshop - You Must Login to Register

This workshop will be held In person. 

In Person Location: NHMA Offices, 25 Triangle Park Drive, Concord, NH 03301. In person attendance is limited to 60 people.
*The workshop will be recorded.  

NHMA Member Registration Fees: $85 
Non Member Fees: $170
* Non-member attendance is limited to government officials who are not members of NHMA and not eligible to be members (schools and state agencies). If space is limited, priority will be given to NHMA members. Non-member village districts, counties, regional planning commissions, or other municipal entities interested in attending NHMA workshops can contact info@nhmunicipal.org to learn about becoming a member. 

8:30 A.M. – Registration

9:00 A.M. – The Art of Welfare
This session provides a basic overview of New Hampshire law governing local welfare administration, why guidelines are important, and how assistance is provided, including using situational flexibility when warranted.  This session will also address fair hearings, suspension of assistance, and provide an advanced overview of some important expected changes to the law as it relates to welfare.
Jonathan Cowal, Municipal Services Counsel, NH Municipal Association
Christine Johnston, Legal Services Counsel, NH Municipal Association

11:00 A.M. – BREAK

11:10 A.M. – NH Local Welfare Trends – Hot Topics
Every year, NHMA Legal Services answers dozens of questions from welfare officials and administrators around the state. In reviewing those questions, it seems like certain topics routinely pop us as “hot topics” in need of further discussion and explanation. This year, topics of concern include:

• various issues related to homelessness, including questions such as whether misbehavior in a shelter which results in removal may justify a welfare disqualification?
• which municipality has responsibility for unhoused or frequently-moving residents?
• must the municipality take steps to ensure housing placements permit service animals?  What about emotional support animals?
• what is a municipality responsible for with respect to the burial/cremation of deceased individuals who were on or eligible for welfare assistance, particularly when no one is claiming the remains?

This portion of the workshop will focus on these hot topics as well as answer questions related to collaborating with provider agencies, organizations, and other communities, other agencies that people should avail themselves to for assistance and the importance of having relationships with homeless shelters, including the value of municipal funding for shelters, and understanding shelter entry and stay dynamics.  

12:15 P.M. – LUNCH

1:00 P.M. – WORKSHOP ENDS

Attendees will receive a complimentary electronic copy of the 2026 edition of The Art of Welfare and the 2024 Model Welfare Guidelines. Additional materials such as the PowerPoint presentation will also be distributed electronically. No printouts of the materials or hard copy of the publications will be provided.

Pre-registration and payment is required.  Registration will be open until 5pm on June 22, 2026.  You will be billed according to the pricing on the options you select at registration. If you wish to make changes, NHMA must be notified in writing at least 48 hours in advance. Refund of the full registration fee will be made if cancellation notification is received 48 hours in advance. Cancellation less than 48 hours in advance, including no-shows, will result in you being charged the full cost of the workshop.  If you have made a change to your registration (from in person to virtual, for example), NHMA will adjust your invoice if we receive notification as outlined above. If you register but cannot attend, a recording of the workshop will be provided if payment has been received. 

*Please be advised that photographs may be taken during the event for promotional and informational purposes. By attending in person, you consent to the use of your image in any such materials.

REGISTER HERE