Having a stable, safe, and secure place to sleep every night is a basic human need. Many in the Monadnock region are surprised to learn that homelessness exists here and are even more surprised to discover that Peterborough is home to both the Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter and an emergency shelter.
Why do people become homeless?
Of course, there is no single reason. Homelessness can stem from domestic violence, divorce, the death of a loved one, health crises, job loss or substance use disorder. But the most common and growing cause is the rising cost of housing.
In our region, rents have climbed much faster than wages. Most landlords require tenants to earn at least three times the monthly rent. For a $1,800 apartment, that means $5,400 a month—equivalent to $31.15 per hour for full-time work. Few local jobs come close.
According to New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, the average rent in Hillsborough County is $1,192 for a one-bedroom and $1,917 for a three-bedroom apartment. In Peterborough and surrounding towns, the prices are often higher. Housing Action New Hampshire reports that to afford a modest two-bedroom at fair market rent, a household must earn $72,971 annually, or $35.08 per hour.
Although New Hampshire’s minimum wage remains $7.25 an hour, most employers now pay between $12 and $18. On the surface, that looks like progress. But many of these jobs cap workers at 32 hours per week — keeping them below full-time status and avoiding the obligation to provide benefits such as health insurance, paid time off or retirement contributions.
For working families, this is a trap. A 32-hour workweek at $15 an hour adds up to less than $25,000 a year before taxes — far below what it costs to live in New Hampshire. Without paid time off, a single illness, family emergency or snow day can mean falling behind on bills — and ultimately, losing housing.
The numbers tell only part of the story.
In 2023, New Hampshire experienced the highest percentage increase in homelessness in the nation, according to the NH Coalition to End Homelessness. Agencies across the Monadnock region are reporting record requests for help. Shelter beds are full, waitlists are long and families are increasingly forced to camp, sleep in vehicles or double up with relatives.
The crisis is especially devastating for older adults, many of whom seek shelter after losing a spouse, coping with homes in disrepair or being priced out of the rental market. Once unhoused, the challenges multiply: safe food storage and healthcare access disappear, work and school attendance decline, stress undermines health and financial problems deepen. Homelessness creates a domino effect that is extraordinarily hard to reverse.
Why transitional shelter matters.
Peterborough is fortunate to have MATS, where families and individuals can find safety and stability while they work toward permanent housing. Shelter allows people to stay connected to their jobs, schools and support networks. But the need is overwhelming.
When I began working with MATS in 2009, the average stay was about six months — the time it took to find income-based housing. Today, the wait for affordable housing is closer to two-plus years. For families needing three bedrooms, options in this area are nearly nonexistent.
Homelessness is not just an urban problem. It is here, in our own community.
Acknowledging this reality is the first step. The next is action: supporting shelters, advocating for affordable housing, and refusing to turn away from neighbors in crisis. Every person deserves the dignity of a safe place to call home.
Susan Howard is program director of the Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter and chair of Peterborough’s Affordable Housing Committee.