Over 30 Years of Shelter, Hope, and Community in the Heart of Monadnock

Homelessness in New Hampshire: A Shifting Landscape

In 2023, New Hampshire experienced the largest percentage increase in homelessness in the country, rising by 52% from the year before. Although 2024 showed a slight decline of 8% overall, the number of unsheltered individuals continued to grow, increasing by 71% from the previous year and 289% since 2019.

Unsheltered individuals—those living in cars, tents, or abandoned buildings—often face difficult and uncertain conditions. Many are exposed to the elements, with limited access to health care, safety, or basic needs. Some are children and families, doing their best to get by without stable housing.

Dignity. Stability. Hope.

What It Looks Like in the Monadnock Region

In our Monadnock communities, we’ve seen families facing housing uncertainty—living in cars, staying in campgrounds, or temporarily relying on friends for a place to sleep. MATS offers support when other options run out, providing transitional housing, case management, and a sense of stability that can be hard to find.

We help offer the kind of shelter and support many wish they could provide for their loved ones—but may not have the means to.

Donna’s Story

By the Numbers: Why This Work Matters

Unsheltered Homelessness Is Skyrocketing


Between 2023 and 2024, New Hampshire saw an increase of 241 more people living without shelter—a 71% rise in unsheltered homelessness.

Veterans Still Seeking Stability


Despite ongoing efforts, 100 veterans were identified as homeless in 2023—a reminder that some who served still lack stable housing.

Housing Remains Out of Reach for Many


In 2024, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in New Hampshire rose to $1,833—a growing challenge for low-income families and individuals living paycheck to paycheck.

Families Without a Home


In 2023, 545 individuals in families were experiencing homelessness across New Hampshire—many of them children.

Students Facing Housing Insecurity


During the 2021–2022 school year, 3,378 school-aged children in New Hampshire were identified as experiencing homelessness. This does not include younger children or those not enrolled in school due to frequent moves.

Homelessness Is Closer Than You Think

Homelessness doesn’t always look like someone on the street. It’s families doubling up with relatives, working parents who can’t make rent, or neighbors forced to live in tents while waiting months for housing assistance.

At MATS, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, warm place to call home.

Your support helps us deliver not just shelter, but hope—hope that a better future is possible, and that no one in our community has to face homelessness alone.

 FAQs

  • To apply for MATS housing, you can:
    • Call us at 603-924-5033
    • Email info@matsnh.org

    • Fill out our [application form] online
    • Ask your town’s Welfare Officer to reach out on your behalf

    We’re here to help—don’t hesitate to connect.

  • MATS offers a safe, supportive place to stay while you work toward permanent housing.

    Stays begin with a 3-month approval and typically last around 9 months. During that time, guests receive guidance and resources to help them move forward.

    MATS is not an emergency shelter—you must apply and agree to program guidelines to stay with us.

  • MATS provides six fully furnished apartments across two secure locations in the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire.

    To protect the privacy and safety of our guests, shelter addresses are only shared with current MATS participants.

  • We respond to voicemails and emails as quickly as possible (within 24 business hours)—please leave a message. Weekend messages may be returned on Monday.

    If you need immediate help, MATS is not an emergency shelter.

    For emergency shelter or statewide assistance, call the NH Homeless Hotline at 211 or 1-866-444-4211.

    You can also visit our [Resources page] for more support options

  • No, COVID-19 vaccination is not required to apply or stay at MATS.

    We do ask all guests to follow basic health and hygiene practices—especially when feeling unwell—to help keep everyone safe.