In our community, hundreds of families struggle to make ends meet. That is why MATS,
the Peterborough Food Pantry and the Peterborough Town Library rescheduled the showing and discussion of the film “The Line: Poverty in America.” We wanted to ensure that the weather didn’t keep anyone from joining us to watch the film and have a discussion about poverty.
The event is scheduled for March 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the 1833 room of the library.
The film investigates the myths and hardships that contribute to people getting stuck. Despite long hours of work, people below the poverty line struggle to meet the rising costs of food, childcare, and housing. Trauma, violence, economic shifts, and natural disasters keep individuals from rising above their circumstances.
The Peterborough Food Pantry, MATS, town welfare offices, The River Center, and other
organizations in the area work together to address the poverty problem in this region.
The Peterborough Food Pantry serves 300 families by distributing 3,500 meals
throughout 11 towns monthly. Parents working two jobs, seniors with fixed incomes, and
veterans who have served our country benefit from the food pantry’s help.
MATS helps people find state resources for housing, food, and transportation. At MATS,
in a safe and stable environment, participants regroup and work toward long-term
solutions. With personalized plans and one-on-one coaching, MATS empowers
individuals toward enduring stability.
After the film, we will discuss how our community can alter the course of poverty in the Monadnock region. Prior to the film and discussion, consider poverty within the Monadnock region. Have you noticed people struggling with poverty? Have economic shifts affected families, neighbors, and the community? Has poverty affected you and our community?
We look forward to sharing and exploring ways to work together and help people rise
above the poverty line.
Elizabeth Goodhue is a board member at the Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter. MATS believes everyone deserves a safe place to call home and a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity. As a donation and grant-funded nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community partners to make that belief a reality. Your donation changes lives. To learn more about MATS, visit matsnh.org.