This month’s blog is written by Frank Townsend, Swing Shift Supervisor I started working at the Johnson Street shelter in September 2023, right when the City of Missoula extended the contract from winter shelter to year-round emergency shelter. A few months later, I experienced the first real crisis that would show me what JStreet was…
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
I met Candice when she was referred to the Medical Respite Program at the Poverello Center. A lifelong Montanan, she lost her housing while battling addiction. She came to the Poverello Center to try to get her life back on track, but she hadn’t been staying in shelter long when she found a dime-sized lump
Candice’s Fight: Finding Hope Through Medical Respite Read More »
This month’s blog post is written by Clair Bopp, Director of Shelter Services at the Poverello Center. Over the course of nearly ten years at the Poverello Center, I have seen countless faces come through our shelter. Each one of them has a story, often complex and sometimes overwhelming. As a case manager in my
Navigating Solutions with Clair Bopp | Data & Relationships Read More »
As another Montana winter roars around us, our staff at the Poverello Center and Johnson Street Shelter are stepping up to meet the growing demand for safe, warm spaces. With temperatures plunging, the need for shelter is at an all-time high, and we are deeply grateful for the community’s support in tackling the challenges ahead.
Dear friends, The holiday season is a time of joy, generosity, and reflection at the Poverello Center. It’s when we come together to serve delicious holiday meals to hundreds of people, greet kind-hearted donors who bring socks and warm clothes, and feel immense gratitude for a community that truly cares. But we know this season
A letter from Jill on the Holiday Season Read More »
For years, our partnership with Town Pump has fueled our mission and created a network of inspired donors. Not only did the Town Pump Foundation commit to supporting our autumn campaign for our food programs, they also championed our Giving Tuesday push and offered a match of $25,000! This extra funding goes a long way
Partner Spotlight: Town Pump Read More »
In 2015, the Poverello Center introduced our Resident Volunteer (RV) Program. This year, we restructured the program to increase its efficacy, and have seen incredible results for the people enrolled. The RV program is a simple trade: guests staying in the shelter at the Poverello Center or the Johnson Street Shelter donate 20 hours per
Program Spotlight: Resident Volunteers Read More »
Fifty years ago, the Poverello Center served its first Christmas meal. It’s unlikely they served more than 40 meals that year—a far cry from the over 400 meals we expect to serve this Christmas Day. We began with a mission to feed Missoula’s neighbors in need. Half a century later, we provide much more than
Editorial: Poverello Center Provides Help, Hope, and Solutions Read More »
Poverello Past & Future and our 50th Anniversary Gala would nor have been possible without our sponsors. Clearwater Credit Union sponsored at the “Champions of Hope” level, and provided essential support to raise money for our programs. Since 2008, Clearwater Credit Union has been an important partner of the Poverello Center. Clearwater Credit Union says
Partner Spotlight: Clearwater Credit Union Read More »
