Mystic — Mystic Area Shelter & Hospitality Inc. has announced that its board of directors has elected Michael Mondello as its new president.

He replaces Jeffrey Anderson, who will continue to serve on MASH's board. Mondello has been a board member since 2010.

"Family homelessness is a chronic problem in Southeastern Connecticut. Housing stability in families is often threatened by a single event that strains an already tight budget: a medical problem; a car repair; or a high utility bill. MASH strives to understand and assist each family's individual situation of need, thereby achieving greater success in getting families back on their feet quickly. Quite simply, MASH makes a difference," Mondello said in a statement.

Mondello is first vice president of Wells Fargo Advisers in Mystic, and lives with his family in East Lyme.

MASH provides assistance to local homeless families with children and those at risk of becoming homeless with programs that include sheltering, re-housing, diversion services such as rent and utility subsidies, and financial/job counseling.

It assists more than 75 families, including more than 250 school-age children a year.