History
1986
Several pastors joined together to develop plans for a homeless shelter shortly after the death of a homeless man under a bridge in Morristown.
1987
MATS used 3 rooms in the Kingmyer Hotel during the winter of 1987- one for men, one for women, and one as an office. In the first month, they provided 62 shelter nights.
1987
After the cold of winter was gone, the shelter closed, but there was still a need for a more permanent shelter. The board sought support from the community.
1987
On November 13, 1987, MATS held its grand opening at the Hill Street property which was able to be operational year-round. It served as the shelter for almost 30 years.
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”
-Mother Teresa
MATS' Executive Directors (1987-Present)
Carole Boris
Lois Wendell
Rev. Patricia Schumacher
Linda Dietrich
Dr. Gary Brewster
Tonya Polidoro
09/87 - 07/88
07/88 - 08/90
08/90 - 06/91
09/92 - 03/08
06/08 - 09/19
10/19 - Present
1987-2017
The MATS program flourished at the Hill Street property and expanded twice, adding much needed women's space in the 80s and men's space in the 90s. It soon outgrew even that!
2009
MATS began conducting the annual Point in Time (PIT) count for this area as mandated by HUD. MATS has headed up the count for this area every year since.
2011-2013
The program itself expanded, adding in job readiness and budgeting training for all residents in order to give each individual tools for success.
2017
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The MATS shelter and office moved into its new home on Main Street. The building, built to house larger numbers of people, allows us to serve more people better!
