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11/21/2025
“Missoula This Week” is reported and written By Katie Fairbanks. Send your Missoula news and tips to kfairbanks@montanafreepress.org.
City Credits Coordination and Flexible Funding for Housing Success
This week, Missoula officials presented the results of their “housing sprint,” which helped more than 60 people find housing following the closure of the Johnson Street homeless shelter. They emphasized the value of flexible funds used for housing-related expenses and debts.
Emily Armstrong, the city’s houseless programs manager, stated, “The housing sprint really demonstrated to us the value of flexible funding that’s targeted for people who are literally unhoused and what can happen when those funds are really targeted appropriately.”
The Johnson Street shelter closed on Sept. 2 after a phased closure. More than 250 participated, and 63 secured permanent housing; 58 were former residents of the shelter. The majority, 37 people, transitioned to rentals without ongoing subsidies.
Armstrong highlighted the need for some supports but noted that many can sustain housing with minimal aid like case management or financial gap funding.
During the sprint, 12 people received housing subsidies, 10 moved in with family, two entered long-term care, and two found transitional housing. Five moved to temporary housing, with some undergoing substance use treatment.
Missoula’s housing sprint used $180,850 to assist 133 individuals with various needs, including rental aid and cellphones. The remaining $20,000 will support housing retention efforts. City staff hosted 40 “office hours” at the shelter for problem-solving discussions, involving more than a dozen organizations.
Challenges included limited planning time and the lack of options for those with fixed incomes. The city plans to integrate sprint strategies into future efforts and launch a landlord engagement pilot in January. Next year, the Pathways to Housing Stability program will begin with opioid abatement grant funding to aid housing retention.
The city collaborates with local organizations to create emergency overflow spaces for severe weather. Housing Advocate Network volunteer Annie Sondag noted the success in housing some individuals but worried about those still without shelter, emphasizing the need for broader discussions on homelessness.
Public Feedback Sought on River Corridor Plan
Missoula invites feedback on the draft West Broadway River Corridor Master Plan, featuring river restoration, debris removal, and trail improvements along the Clark Fork River. In partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Trout Unlimited, the plan outlines new parkland, trail connections, and habitat enhancements. The estimated $7.2 million project aims to begin in summer 2028, pending funding.
“This is a big, complex project,” said Morgan Valliant of the city’s ecosystem services division. The draft plan and survey are available online until Dec. 14.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
The Missoula City Council approved a delay for the Aspire Subdivision deadlines, allowing time for a lawsuit to conclude. The new timeline extends the first phase deadline to Dec. 31, 2028. Concern remains over traffic safety and the impact on Highway 200 improvements.
Council approved the 2026 budget for the Local Government Building Special District, allocating funds for hazardous materials abatement and infrastructure upgrades in the John Engen building.
A rezoning on Reserve Street was approved for a new Les Schwab Tires, changing the zoning from business mixed-use to community commercial. Concerns were raised about noise and traffic, but a traffic study is planned.
County commissioners approved a state grant application for a septic replacement program to assist low-income homeowners. The program aims to launch in summer 2026 if funded.
The Salish Kootenai Housing Authority’s Solidarity Program hosts a housing panel on the Flathead Reservation, moderated by the NeighborWorks Montana executive director. RSVP online for the discussion on Nov. 22.
Thanksgiving Events in Missoula
Missoula Food Bank distributes holiday meal supplies on Nov. 24. Veterans and families are invited to a free Vetsgiving dinner on Nov. 26. The annual Queergiving dinner is on Nov. 28, with volunteer opportunities available.
Run Wild Missoula’s Turkey Day 8k and 3k Family Fun Run registration is open. Races start at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 28, with participants encouraged to donate to the food bank. Register online for the event.
Upcoming Events: Zootown Music Festival
The Zootown Music Festival returns for its second year with tickets on sale soon. Held at the Missoula County Fairgrounds on June 19-20, it features 23 musical acts including The Lumineers and The Chicks. Visit the festival website for more details.
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