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

Homelessness in New Hampshire: A Shifting Landscape

Homelessness is not a distant problem—it is a pressing and growing crisis here in New Hampshire. In 2023, our state experienced the largest percentage increase in homelessness in the entire country, rising by 52% from 2022. This means thousands more of our neighbors are struggling without a safe, stable place to call home.

Dignity. Stability. Hope.

What It Looks Like in the Monadnock Region

Being unhoused often means living in cars, tents, or abandoned buildings, or relying on friends and family for a couch to sleep on. These conditions are unpredictable and unsafe, leaving people exposed to harsh weather, with little to no access to healthcare, security, or basic needs.


Homelessness does not affect one group alone. It impacts individuals, veterans, seniors, and families with children. In fact, many of those experiencing homelessness in New Hampshire are children and families, doing their best to navigate school and work without the stability that housing provides.


Behind every statistic is a story—a parent trying to keep their kids safe, a worker who can’t afford rising rents, a young adult with no family to turn to. At MATS, we believe that housing is more than shelter—it is the foundation for dignity, health, and opportunity. By working together, we can make a difference in reversing these alarming trends and supporting our most vulnerable neighbors.

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—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.