Stay updated with the free Missoula This Week newsletter covering Missoula city government, public school meetings, business news, and upcoming entertainment and events.
04/24/2026
“Missoula This Week” is reported and written by Katie Fairbanks. Send your Missoula news and tips to [email protected].
Nonprofit Plans New Youth Crisis Shelter in Missoula
Youth in crisis in Missoula often have few places to turn other than the emergency room or juvenile detention, according to Amy Schaer, CEO of Youth Homes.
Youth Homes is addressing this by opening a therapeutic crisis shelter in the fall. The nonprofit manages homes and programs for youth facing crises like abuse, trauma, or substance issues. On Monday, Youth Homes started a campaign to raise $600,000 needed for the $4 million project.
Located in Orchard Homes, the new Birnbaum Youth Home honors late executive director Geoff Birnbaum. His son, Mike Birnbaum, expressed pride in continuing his father’s legacy.
A similar shelter, Attention Home, operated from 1976 to 2023 before closing due to challenges from the pandemic and housing crisis, said board president Eric Petersen. The new shelter will offer a secure environment for youth aged 10 to 17, providing educational continuity and mental health services.
Schaer emphasized the necessity of the shelter to prevent children from “falling through the cracks” and filling service gaps.
Shelter stays may vary from 24 hours to 90 days. The eight-bed co-ed facility should serve 80 to 100 youths in its first year. Families can access Youth Homes through Youth Court or Child and Family Services, yet the shelter is open to anyone needing assistance.
Construction began in July, backed by a $750,000 state grant and $2.6 million from other sources. The shelter is slated to open in September.
For more on Youth Homes and their campaign, visit their website.
Funding Allocation for Missoula Projects
The Missoula City Council is poised to approve funding for 13 projects benefiting low-income residents, including childcare and affordable housing. This includes $309,000 from the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and $506,270 in federal Community Development Block Grant funding. A public hearing is scheduled for May 11 to vote on these allocations.
Annually, the city receives around $800,000 from HUD, aimed at aiding low- and moderate-income residents and improving affordable housing. This year’s funds will support projects like Homeword’s Orchard Gardens rehabilitation and energy-efficient upgrades at the Bruce Blattner apartments.
Partnership Health Center will receive $350,620 from the city’s HOME-ARP funds for mental health and housing services. The Human Resource Council will get around $254,105 for rent assistance. The city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund will allocate $200,000 to the United Way’s Housing Solutions Fund.
With 19 project applications totaling $2.5 million, Council Member Mirtha Becerra observed, “The need exceeds the resources.”
Public Input on Missoula’s Downtown Mobility Project
Missoula will host an open house on the Downtown Safety, Access and Mobility Project next week. The project involves converting Front and Main to two-way streets, updating Higgins Avenue, and adding protected bike lanes. Funded by a $24.5 million federal grant, the open house invites public feedback on the updated design.
Scheduled for April 28, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in the Florence Building’s Governor’s Room, project manager Megan McMeekin will present at 5:15 p.m.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
Missoula Public Health offers various pediatric vaccine clinics around Missoula County. Vaccinations available include tetanus, diphtheria, meningitis, and more. More details are online.
The Missoula Tenants Union and Bozeman Tenants United will host a debate for the Montana Western U.S. House seat, focusing on rental market issues. The event will occur at the Bozeman Event Space, April 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. RSVP online.
Missoula Gives and Bitterroot Gives start April 30, aiming to raise $1.5 million for over 200 nonprofits. Visit missoulagives.org for more details.
Missoula City Council expanded the North Reserve-Scott Street Urban Renewal District to include a newly annexed area. This allows developers to apply for tax increment financing for infrastructure projects.
The University of Montana seeks feedback on naming auxiliary gyms after Steve and Shirley Nelson. Comments can be submitted via email. Their donation will fund a renovation providing enhanced training facilities.
Upcoming Missoula Events
The Missoula Family YMCA’s annual Riverbank Run fundraiser is on Saturday, offering 10K, 5K, 1-mile, and “trifecta” race options. Registration details are available online.
Check out the free Phlox Fest at Rocky Mountain Gardens on Saturday. Events include music, food trucks, and garden vendors, celebrating the Missoula Phlox.
Missoula Sings hosts “Sing About It,” a community singing event led by Melanie DeMore at Caras Park, Sunday, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Open for all ages.
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