Over the past several years, the Johnson Street Shelter has been a true labor of love for our entire community. It has taken dedication, sacrifice, and incredible teamwork from our staff, guests, and supporters to keep it going—and in that time, it has saved lives.

What started as an emergency response to the pandemic grew into something much more. The shelter became a place of refuge, a place where people could not only find warmth and rest but also compassion, dignity, and a chance to rebuild. For five years, Johnson Street has been more than a building—it has been a beacon of hope for those in crisis.

Now, as we prepare for the shelter to close at the end of August, we recognize that this marks a significant transition. Change can be difficult, especially for those who rely on these services, and we share the deep concerns about what comes next. But even as this chapter ends, our mission remains unchanged. For the past 50 years, The Poverello Center has been committed to providing food, shelter, help, and hope to all who ask, and that commitment will not waver.

What Happens Next?

In these final months, the City of Missoula is launching a “housing sprint”—a collaborative effort with community partners to help as many shelter guests as possible find stable housing or other positive solutions. The goal is simple: to prevent as many people as possible from having to return to homelessness once the shelter closes.

While we are hopeful that this initiative will provide long-term housing for many, we also recognize the reality: there are never enough resources to meet the full scale of the need. Some individuals will transition into permanent housing, others will move into different temporary solutions, and many will continue to face uncertainty. For those who do not find housing in time, we will remain steadfast in our support. We will continue to provide meals, essential services, and a community of care—because nobody should have to face homelessness alone.

Resilience in the Face of Change

The closure of Johnson Street is not the end of our work—it’s a step toward what comes next. The Poverello Center is a resilient organization, one that has weathered challenges for half a century. Time and time again, we have found ways to adapt, evolve, and fight for a future where everyone in Missoula has a safe place to call home.

To our staff who have poured their hearts into running Johnson Street, to the volunteers who have shown up day after day, and to the donors and community members who have stood beside us—thank you. Your compassion and dedication have made a difference in countless lives.

How You Can Help

As we move through this transition, we need your help more than ever. The work of housing, sheltering, and supporting those in crisis does not stop with the closure of a building. If you want to be part of the solution, there are many ways to make an impact:

Donate – Your financial support helps us provide food, shelter, and long-term housing solutions. Every dollar makes a difference. Visit thepoverellocenter.org/donate to make a gift today.
Volunteer – Whether serving meals, sorting donations, or offering professional skills, your time can change lives. Visit thepoverellocenter.org/volunteer to sign up today.
Advocate – Support policies and initiatives that expand affordable housing and resources for those experiencing homelessness.

This is a pivotal moment for our community, and together, we can shape what happens next. If you’d like to help, consider donating or volunteering—your support means everything.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s continue working toward a Missoula where everyone has a safe place to call home.