The Johnson Street homeless shelter in Missoula closed permanently this Tuesday morning, leaving its residents searching for new places to stay. A motorhome, a friend’s house, camping, or hotels are some of the options that former residents considered. The closure follows a five-month phased plan orchestrated by the city, aiming to rehouse as many shelter occupants as possible.
More than a dozen people, including Jennifer Ruefenacht, gathered outside the shelter as staff started cleaning out the building. Ruefenacht, who lost her home to a fire after her husband passed away, stayed at the shelter since July. She expressed her disappointment, saying, “It sucks they’re closing this place down. It’s been great.”
The city’s “housing sprint” led to 51 individuals securing housing or reuniting with family, with the number expected to increase. Emily Armstrong, the city’s houseless programs manager, confirmed efforts to expand this initiative. However, many like Libby, another shelter resident, are still on waiting lists for affordable housing options.
The Poverello Center, Missoula’s only other shelter for single adults, is preparing to accommodate more people. Executive Director Jill Bonny noted that while there are many options, more funding and resources are necessary. “We need to figure out how to do more,” she stated, emphasizing the need for a sustainable solution.
By August, the Johnson Street shelter’s capacity was reduced to 30 beds, down from its original 165. The Poverello Center’s Broadway location had 15 to 20 open beds last week. Many preferred the Johnson Street location for its safety and pet-friendly environment.
No accurate data exists on how many people are unsheltered in Missoula, yet 664 households are part of the city’s coordinated entry system for housing assistance as per the Missoula Organization of Realtors’ data dashboard. The Poverello Center is preparing for increased demand as winter approaches, exploring options for additional spaces during extreme weather.
The shelter opened in November 2020 as a temporary solution for overflow during COVID-19. Funded by the city and county, it served as a 24-hour winter shelter. The Missoula City Council funded another year due to a surge in homelessness. However, COVID-era federal funds have run out, prompting a return to seeking alternative solutions.
The city’s houseless programs staff facilitated access to housing by acting as intermediaries and offering incentives to landlords. Despite efforts, affordable housing remains limited, especially for those earning between $800 and $1,100 monthly. While the housing sprint ends, ongoing community support and innovative funding solutions remain crucial to tackling homelessness in Missoula.
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