Decades of Serving People Who Are Homeless
Founded in 1991 by concerned citizens, the Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter (MATS) is a transitional shelter for individuals and families who are homeless. We are run by volunteers from local communities, a full-time Program Manager and a part-time Administrative Assistant. MATS serves the towns of the Greater Monadnock Region, including Antrim, Bennington, New Ipswich, Jaffrey, Keene, Peterborough, and Sharon. We also accept referrals from other shelters throughout the tri-state area. We are a transitional shelter, not an emergency shelter.
As well as our 4-apartment building, MATS also recently completed renovations on another building which gives us two additional apartments. The shelter therefore has six fully furnished apartments. People stay at MATS from three to six months as they work towards a life of self-sufficiency. Through our Program Manager and Board Members we also offer our guests assistance with finding agency and community resources and with transportation, health, childcare, legal, housing and employment issues, as well as guidance in setting and reaching goals.
In the past year 100% of the guests who completed our program have moved on to permanent housing.
As a 501(c)3 organization, we are grateful for the many caring and generous people in the Monadnock region. We receive no money from state or federal governments but rely on donations from citizens, clubs, service groups, businesses, churches and grants.
Education, Advocacy and Support
The Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter’s mission is to
- provide transitional housing, support and referral services to people experiencing homelessness;
- to educate our community on issues of homelessness;
- and to advocate for solutions.
In support of that mission, MATS assists our guests with:
- Goal setting
- Finding employment
- Acquiring budgeting and time management skills
- Finding and negotiating assistance from
- appropriate agencies and community resources
- Dealing with transportation, childcare, health and legal issues
- Finding more permanent housing
Program Manager
The MATS Program Manager has an office at the shelter. Our Program Manager, Susan Howard, has a BS in Human Services, has worked as a Community Family Services Coordinator and case manager, is a Certified Crisis Prevention Institute Instructor and has trained with the food bank of New Hampshire. Susan started at MATS in 2009, helping families and individuals make the transition from homelessness to home.
