HELENA — Amy Adams, a local resident who has provided hot meals to students in need for two years, has launched a new nonprofit to continue her mission.
Upon discovering homeless students in the Helena school district, Adams initially sought ways to help by donating money. Unsatisfied, she decided she could do more.
“I want to help in some way. I know I can. I know there’s a way to do something,” Adams told Montana Free Press.
Adams enlisted friends and family to cook meals for students facing homelessness, whether living in hotels, campers, couch surfing, or shelters.
Now, nearly two years later, she has founded Amy’s Mess, a nonprofit connecting community members to feed families in the school district.
“What I’ve been doing is meeting needs that have come up and providing meals to take some of this pressure off the parents and the children,” Adams said.
Amy’s Mess launched its website this month and operates through school district referrals. Volunteers must sign a non-disclosure agreement to protect privacy.
Despite organizations like Helena Food Share addressing food insecurity, Adams noted some families lack the opportunity to cook.
Currently, Amy’s Mess delivers food in Helena three times a week. Last year, her group provided over 700 meals.
The nonprofit also aims to extend support inside schools, working closely with Michele Zentz, the school district’s homeless liaison.
Earlier this month, a Helena High School teacher asked Zentz for resources to fill her classroom with snacks. Amy’s Mess delivered three shopping carts of food.
“It’s going to feed my students for so long. We have so many students who have food insecurity,” Erin Cleveland told MTFP.
Cleveland also stressed the need for more federal funding for school districts but appreciated community help. “We have amazing organizations like this, though, and help step in,” Cleveland said.
The number of homeless students in the district has risen, with about 425 recorded last school year, up from 365 the previous year.
“Amy’s Mess has been an invaluable resource to the school district,” Zentz said. “She has found creative solutions to help.”
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