Littleton Forward Launches Full-Scale Investigation Into AHEAD

Littleton Forward is deeply concerned by the growing number of reports from residents who have faced troubling barriers when trying to secure housing through AHEAD (Affordable Housing, Education and Development). AHEAD’s mission is to provide safe, affordable housing to individuals and families in need—not to create unnecessary roadblocks or confusion. Unfortunately, the experiences shared by residents paint a very different picture.

AHEAD was established to help people in Northern New Hampshire access stable, affordable housing. Their mission includes increasing access to housing and providing support for low-income residents—yet recent reports suggest that AHEAD's operations are failing to meet this goal, leaving applicants feeling frustrated, ignored, and in some cases, homeless.

WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED

🔸 Lack of Communication: Littleton Forward attempted to contact AHEAD using their automated phone system to verify one of the reports. The system made it impossible to speak with a live person. After leaving a message, days passed with no response. The automated AI voice that provides an email address is so unclear that it’s practically unusable.

🔸 Closed Doors and No Way to Reach Staff: AHEAD’s Cottage Street offices are not open to the public. Appointments cannot be scheduled, and applicants are left with no way to speak with someone directly.

🔸 Confusing Application Process: One applicant was told by Summer Patnoe, an AHEAD employee, to just submit the application without worrying about missing information—because Patnoe would reach out if anything was incomplete. The applicant followed those instructions, only to receive a denial letter weeks later due to an incomplete application. Despite multiple attempts to contact Patnoe for clarification, their calls were ignored. This applicant, despite having an income and being told they were approved to move in, is now living outdoors due to this denial.

🔸 No Appeals Process: AHEAD does not have a formal process to appeal a denied application. Applicants are left with no recourse if they are denied, even when the denial appears to be based on miscommunication or errors within AHEAD’s internal process.

WHAT'S NEXT
Littleton Forward is launching a full-scale investigation into AHEAD’s operations and handling of housing applications. The reports we’ve received suggest systemic failures that go beyond simple miscommunication. We are especially concerned about potential discrimination, bias, and a lack of transparency.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE CONFIDENTIALLY
If you have had a similar experience with AHEAD, we want to hear from you. Littleton Forward has created a confidential and secure form on our website where you can share your experience in as much detail as you feel comfortable. We understand the fear and frustration that comes with navigating these barriers, and we are committed to holding AHEAD accountable.

Fill out the form (no required contact information—only share what you’re comfortable with). If you can provide an email address, it will help us verify your experience, but it’s not required.

We’ve already been able to verify some of these reports through email exchanges shared with us by former applicants. Your story matters. If AHEAD is failing to fulfill its mission, it’s time to force change. Housing is a human right—no one should be left without a home because of a broken system.

Thank you for your courage and trust in sharing your experiences. We are listening. We are fighting for change.