Sign up for the free Missoula This Week newsletter for updates on Missoula city government, school meetings, business news, and local events.
12/19/2024
“Missoula This Week” is reported and written By Katie Fairbanks. Send your Missoula news and tips to kfairbanks@montanafreepress.org.
YMCA seeks last $1.5 million for expansion
Over two years after launching its $20.3 million campaign, the Missoula Family YMCA is $1.5 million short. The “Here for Good” campaign aims to revitalize the nonprofit, expanding services and programs for the growing community, according to CEO Heather Foster. The project includes the main building’s renovation, a new childcare center doubling capacity, an “airnasium,” a splash pad, and an all-abilities playground.
“It’s a big project,” Foster stated. “We’re so incredibly grateful and amazed at the generosity of Missoula.”
Construction began in June 2023 and will continue through next summer. The Phyllis Washington Early Child Care Center opened in July, doubling the Y’s capacity to 94 children with five classrooms, a kitchen, and a new playground. Despite financial risks, the YMCA prioritized opening the center due to the critical need for childcare.
Foster emphasized the importance of upgrading facilities to attract members, supporting childcare through activities like memberships. The YMCA’s renovation includes a new pool filtration system, upgraded locker rooms, and enhanced family spaces. The second floor will feature offices and a group exercise studio, while a new entrance will accommodate a two-story play structure.
The youth innovation space will offer a computer lab, project area, and kitchen. “We wanted to create a space where kids want to be and maybe encourage parents to come exercise,” Foster said. As a “melting pot of Missoula,” the YMCA aims to foster community connections through these improvements.
The YMCA, with no debt history, aims to maintain financial stability and increase staff wages through the “Here for Good” fundraiser. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation will match donations up to $500,000 until Jan. 15. For more details and tours, visit the YMCA Missoula website.
3 Questions For
Jim McGrath, retiring HUD programs director for the Missoula Housing Authority, reflects on 19 years of experience. McGrath addressed changes in the housing authority and its current challenges. His remarks have been edited for clarity.
MTFP: How has housing demand evolved and how has the authority adjusted?
McGrath: The need for housing has consistently grown, especially among low-income demographics. The housing crisis has widened, triggering calls for programs serving up to 120% of the area median income. Despite some voucher increases, the need still surpasses resources.
The authority now caters to special populations, like the homeless, veterans, and youth, freeing general vouchers for other families. Since 2005, the organization has expanded its housing units and assistance programs to better meet diverse needs. Development costs have surged, necessitating complex partnerships.
MTFP: What challenges persist for the housing authority?
McGrath: Homelessness has grown due to upstream issues, not program failure. We face limitations in services like mental health. The expanding need for housing is pressing. Projects require more complexity and resources, yet the authority remains opportunistic in serving various needs.
MTFP: What should the community understand about the authority?
McGrath: We are the community’s housing authority but limited by program rules. Expanding state and local support could enhance service flexibility. While we serve many, the demand means we often must say no. Housing stability improves lives, and we strive to meet this critical need despite constraints.
5 Things You Should Know in Missoula
Progress on redeveloping the Johnson Street homeless shelter site moved forward with the Missoula Redevelopment Agency approving a planning contract. The city aims for safe residential development by February, with a focus on the property’s northern region.
The Missoula Redevelopment Agency approved $1.6 million for Bitterroot Trail lighting, enhancing 2.6 miles for safety. Funded by tax increment finance dollars, the project includes 182 new light poles.
A memorial will honor 23 unhoused individuals who died in 2024. The event, hosted by the city and local organizations, will take place on the longest night of the year, emphasizing community reflection and solidarity.
The North Missoula Development Corporation added 1520 Howell St. to the Community Land Trust. The initiative keeps housing affordable, with the trust retaining land ownership and leasing to homeowners.
Missoula’s Public Works Department is hosting a snowplow naming contest. Submit names by Jan. 13, with winners announced on Feb. 10. Guidelines are available online.
In Case You Missed It
The Missoula City Council adopted the Our Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan for future growth and housing density. Read the full story here.
Programming note
Missoula This Week will not publish on Dec. 27 as MTFP staff observes the holiday. Regular publication resumes Jan. 3.
—
Read More Montana News
