Navigating Solutions with Kristen Border Patton | A Port in the Storm: Steady Shelter Through Change This month’s blog is written by Kristen Border Patton, Director of Operations Earlier this month, the Johnson Street Shelter closed. This is a huge loss for the community, and a major change for the Poverello Center, which oversaw the…
Navigating Solutions | A Port in the Storm: Steady Shelter Through Change Read More »
Last month, our community faced a heartbreaking loss. A guest of the Poverello Center died in a sudden, tragic car accident right outside our building. If you were driving through Missoula that day, you may have noticed Broadway shut down for hours as officials investigated. For those of us inside the shelter, guests and staff,
Navigating Solutions with Jill Bonny | A Loss that Reminds Us Why We Do This Work Read More »
This month’s blog is written by Sophia Shrom, Homeless Outreach Team member. As a long-time member of the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), I’ve had the unique opportunity to see Missoula through a different lens: one shaped by daily, on-the-ground outreach and genuine relationships with our most vulnerable neighbors. These individuals are more than the faces
Navigating Solutions | Housing Navigation for Missoula’s Most Vulnerable Read More »
Hope doesn’t come from punishment. It comes from people like you. You may have seen news about President Trump’s new executive order, “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.” While the full impact of this policy is still taking shape, it signals a more punitive national approach to homelessness. At the Poverello Center, we know
A Letter from Jill on “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets” Read More »
This month’s blog is written by Stephanie Dolan, Director of Development. Creating last year’s “Poverello Past & Future” Exhibit was a deep dive into 50 years of dedicated service, a mission that loves its people, and Missoula’s history as a community with a caring soul. I learned that the challenges we face now — community
Over a Half-Century of Hope: The Annual Poverello Gala of Hope Read More »
There’s been a lot of talk lately about emergency shelter, especially congregate shelter, not being a best practice. I want to take a moment to set the record straight and to re-center this conversation on the inherent dignity of all people, regardless of their housing status, behavioral health, or substance use. Congregate shelter typically refers
A Balanced Homelessness Response Must Include Congregate Shelter Read More »
When Alexis Cabezas moved to Missoula for a job at Providence St. Patrick’s Hospital, her commute took her past the Poverello Center on Broadway each day. Where some might see a place that feels daunting, Alexis saw something different—an opportunity to learn more about her new community and to give back. She began volunteering at
Volunteer Spotlight: Alexis Cabezas Read More »
For Matt, a member of the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), the success of our clients — especially those who are unsheltered or staying at the Johnson Street Shelter—hits close to home. In 2020 and 2021, Matt was staying at Johnson Street himself, navigating a difficult cycle of incarceration and addiction treatment. “Honestly,” he reflects, “it
Staff Spotlight: Matt Brown Read More »
The Poverello’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) is out in the Missoula community every day, building trust and offering support to our unhoused neighbors. This compassionate team of five does so much more than provide life-saving essentials like food, water, sleeping bags, and warm clothing—they build real relationships with the people they serve. By meeting people
Program Spotlight: Homeless Outreach Team Read More »
This month’s blog is written by Kristian Stipe, Programs Manager. At the Poverello Center, we know that success isn’t a straight line, and that it looks different for everyone. Housing can take time, effort, and a few tries. For many guests at the Poverello Center, the Resident Volunteer (RV) program is an avenue to find
Navigating Solutions | How an Updated Approach Inspires Housing Progress Read More »
