MANSFIELD — Jamie Hamilton believes shelter is more than just a roof over someone’s head. It’s a stable foundation upon which people build their lives.
Hamilton recently took a new job as the executive director of Wayfinders, a homeless shelter and social services agency in Mansfield.
For Hamilton, the mission is personal. She experienced housing insecurity as a child.
“I believe that having a safe place to live changes what is possible for a person,” she said.
“When you’re worried about where you and your children will sleep, everything else becomes harder — keeping a job, getting to appointments, helping with homework, or planning for tomorrow.”
Wayfinders, formerly known as Harmony House, provides emergency shelter at 124 West Third Street.
But the organization also works with clients to help them find stable housing and other resources like mental health or addiction services, legal counseling and/or employment training.
Case managers help create step-by-step action plans to help individuals and families get the help they need.
When you’re worried about where you and your children will sleep, everything else becomes harder — keeping a job, getting to appointments, helping with homework or planning for tomorrow.”
Jamie hamilton, wayfinders executive director
“Recently, we helped a guest move into her own apartment. She’s working two jobs, and this is the first time she will have a place of her own,” Hamilton said.
“Our team helped gather things she needed and brought her to her new home. The excitement was incredible. She had worked so hard to get there.”
“There are people at Wayfinders doing that work every day—working, parenting, looking for housing and trying again after difficult setbacks,” Hamilton added. “I want the community to know them as people, with their own stories and goals.
Hamilton will oversee Wayfinders’ move to Park Avenue East facility
Hamilton took the place of Miles Parsons, who became executive director in February 2024.
Prior to joining the team at Wayfinders, Hamilton worked as director of operations at Third Street Family Health Services.
The work reinforced her belief that housing, health, employment and family stability are interconnected.
Hamilton first became involved with Wayfinders about a year ago, when she joined the nonprofit’s board.
“I saw an opportunity to become more directly involved in that work,” Hamilton said. “I wanted to help build a place where people feel safe and respected, and where we work alongside them to figure out what comes next.”
Hamilton said her immediate priority is listening to staff, guests and community partners to understand what’s working well and areas for improvement.
She’ll also oversee the move to a larger facility early next year. Wayfinders will relocate to a renovated medical services building at 661 Park Ave. East.
“We’re expanding from 56 to 80 beds, with a larger kitchen, more privacy and storage, larger rooms, and a dedicated place for children to do homework,” Hamilton said. “Those improvements will make a real difference in daily life for the people staying with us.”
Financial sustainability is another priority for Hamilton.
“We need to be thoughtful about how we fund and staff the larger shelter so we can serve the community well over time,” she said.
Hamilton said there are multiple ways the community can support Wayfinders’ work.
“Whether you donate, volunteer, provide supplies or help open a door to housing, you can make a meaningful difference for someone right here in our community,” she said.
