Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Missoula opens campground for people experiencing homelessness

Tim Phillips clears snow out of a spot at Missoula's authorized camping site Jan. 11, 2022. The site is meant to provide a safe shelter for people experiencing homelessness in the area.
Freddy Monares
/
Montana Public Radio
Tim Phillips clears snow out of a spot at Missoula's authorized camping site Jan. 11, 2022. The site is meant to provide a safe shelter for people experiencing homelessness in the area.

The city and county of Missoula opened a legal campsite on Tuesday for people experiencing homelessness.

It’s one way the two governments are addressing the growing number of people experiencing homelessness in the area.

In the first few hours after the campground opened, about four of the 40 spots had been claimed. Snow is cleared to set up tents.

Tim Phillips says it’s a nice alternative to crowded shelters.

“This is nice, that we’re able to have our own space — our own tents, you know, houses.”

Staff from local housing, counseling and mental health services greet people who start using the camp.

Emily Armstrong is the reaching home manager with the city of Missoula.

“I think folks are really appreciative to have a site that meets a different need and is more spread out, a little bit more flexible and they can set up their space the way they want it,” she says.

The city and county opened the site on Clark Fork Lane in Missoula to address unlawful camping near the Reserve Street Bridge and other sites throughout the city. The campground will be in place until further notice. The governments used money from the American Rescue Plan Act to establish the campground.

Freddy Monares was a reporter and Morning Edition host at Montana Public Radio.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information