Homelessness

Dozens of service providers from dentists and doctors to public defenders packed the Missoula Public Library earlier this month. They offered a one-stop-shop for residents in need as the city begins to close one of its homeless shelters.

Montanans living with severe mental illness are cycling in and out of ERs, jails, shelters and the state psychiatric hospital. Many never get the long-term help they need. One Missoula woman has been caught in that cycle for years. Her daughter uprooted her life to help. MTPR's Aaron Bolton brings us their story and reports on whether proposed reforms to the state mental health system offer them hope.

Missoula will shut down one of its two homeless shelters. Mayor Andrea Davis Friday announced her decision citing the end of one-time federal pandemic aid. The move will leave more than 150 people seeking a place to stay.

A Flathead Valley homeless shelter has settled its lawsuit against Kalispell for revoking its permit. The Kalispell City Council effectively closed the Flathead Warming Center’s doors to overnight guests.

State health officials want to add more facilities for discharged state hospital patients who need support reentering their community.

The number of unhoused seniors is expected to triple by 2030. About half of this population are becoming homeless for the first time. Programs that can help are struggling because it’s especially hard to find affordable housing that’s also accessible for older Americans with medical conditions.

Ravalli County’s only shelter for people fleeing domestic and sexual violence is expanding.

Missoula City Council voted Monday to ban camping in city parks. The decision will tighten restrictions passed six months ago on where unhoused Missoulians can stay overnight.

A homeless shelter in Kalispell has reopened its doors after the city shut it down earlier this year. A judge ruled that the shelter can operate while the court case over the city’s actions plays out.

Homeless people in Kalispell say they could freeze to death on the streets this winter after city officials closed a warming shelter. The shelter is suing the city to reopen before the snow flies.