We often say at the Poverello that people’s reasons for being homeless are as diverse as the people themselves. This is especially true of people that the HOT Team is working with at any given time.

 We work with young adults who have aged out of the youth homes or the foster care system with no place to go.

 We work with women and LGBTQ+ folks who are fleeing domestic violence or who have been kicked out of their homes.

 We work with the formerly incarcerated who can’t find housing because of their criminal backgrounds.

 We work with people who struggle with mental health issues that, all too often, come along with substance use disorders.

Reasons for sleeping outside might be endless. In addition to there being a lack of shelter beds, for some, their experience of trauma or mental health situation makes it very hard to be in a crowded place like the Poverello Center. When you are in a crisis, it can be really hard to be around others who are also in crisis.

Others have been turned away or told “no” so many times that they have given up on the thought that getting help or getting into housing is even possible. For those people, it is just easier to set up in an out-of-the-way place and get on with the business of surviving.

Our goal on the HOT Team is to help people who are experiencing homelessness to rebuild relationships and redevelop – or create- systems of support to help them stay alive, and to eventually support them to find permanent housing.

HOT works with an array of people each day, including business owners, law enforcement, healthcare providers, donors, and volunteers, to educate the public on what they can do to help unhoused neighbors. We develop connections with all of the people we meet, and believe that connecting all of these groups fills crucial gaps and keeps the city safer.  Still, this work isn’t easy, and we would not be able to do it without community support.

Support from community members just like you allow us to provide sustained programming to fulfill our mission of providing food, shelter, help and hope to all who ask. As this crisis deepens in our community we ask you to make a contribution to this campaign enabling us to better serve Missoula. Donate today to provide food, survival materials, transportation assistance, and support for the vulnerable members of our community who need it most.

No amount is too small, and every contribution makes a positive impact on a person’s life. 

On behalf of our team and the people we support, we want to express our gratitude for the support we have received and for considering our cause. Together, we can build a stronger, safer community. 

Sincerely,

Homeless Outreach Team Members

Dustin, Katie, Matthew, Sophia, and Taneisha