The Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter (MATS) was founded in 1991 by clergy and other concerned citizens in response to a local housing crisis. In the early 1990s, police were increasingly referring people living in their cars or in campgrounds to local churches for temporary shelter.
The Parish Hall at All Saints Episcopal Church became a shelter for a while. In 1992, MATS volunteers decided to rent an apartment, trusting in the generosity of the people of the Monadnock region to assist with funding, and thus the first MATS shelter became a reality.
Later, a duplex in town was purchased and renovated, providing shelter for four families. That building was later sold, and a four-unit building with office space for the program director was purchased in 2008. An additional building, which has been renovated into a duplex, has recently added to the organization’s capacity to provide transitional housing.
MATS receives no federal or state funding. For more than 30 years, the organization has relied on gifts from individuals, businesses, churches and service organizations, as well as grants. The ongoing generous support of the community is a testament to the proven success of the program. MATS changes people’s lives, and that change is sustained in stable housing and employment.
Not only are our donors loyal and committed, but the volunteer board is as well. Many board members have returned to the organization after taking some time off, and others serve as volunteers. Recently, Scott McGovern, one of the earliest trustees, rejoined the board and is spearheading an effort to examine diversity, equity and inclusion issues as they relate to all aspects of the organization. We are also gratified to welcome four young board members: Sam Abbott, Jess Hamlin, Nicole Judge and Hejara Russo.
Abbott, a Realtor, said, “To counterbalance my professional practice, I want to serve the members of the community who are struggling in their search for safe and affordable housing. Witnessing the struggle of housing insecurity growing up, this area of service hits home to me in more ways than one. “
Hamlin, who with her husband owns a local business, said she witnessed the good work of MATS when a close family member was a guest at the shelter. She said, “The staff became the family she always needed. Without their help, she wouldn’t be the proud business and homeowner she is now.”
Judge, who is now a funeral director, previously worked in community mental health. She said, “One of the most rewarding, yet eye-opening, experiences was when I worked with children and families in the Monadnock region who faced incredible obstacles such as homelessness.”
Russo, who lives with her family in Hancock, felt lucky to be able to purchase a house during the pandemic. She said, “For nine years, I’ve worked as a nurse in the Monadnock region and have encountered many patients with food and shelter insecurity. I am excited to put my shoulder to the wheel for an organization that is continually fostering stability for vulnerable people in our community.”
The “veterans” on the 12-member MATS board are happy to welcome this new generation to share in the work of the organization. Thirty-one years after the community responded to a housing crisis with the founding of MATS, the lack of affordable housing in the Monadnock region is more acute than ever.
Mary Loftis is a member of the Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter board.