12/09/2024
Ruth’s Place Finds a Home with Family Promise
Construction on Helena’s new low-barrier women’s shelter begins after a year of setbacks. Ruth’s Place, spearheaded by Good Samaritan Ministries, faced public opposition and relocation challenges. The shelter was initially slated to open alongside Our Place but had to find a new home after the original building was sold.
During a city commission meeting, a breakthrough arrived. Good Samaritan Ministries’ Theresa Ortega and Family Promise’s Renee Bauer proposed merging resources to create a space for Ruth’s Place within Family Promise’s facility at 2814 N. Cooke St. “Theresa and I got together and talked about the idea of combining the space that we have,” Bauer shared with Montana Free Press.
Family Promise initially aimed to expand its services, and now plans include dedicated spaces for both women and families across two levels, with each floor offering rooms fitting the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Awaiting final permit approval, construction may commence in a week, estimated to last six to nine months.
The $1.2 million project is funded by combining resources from both organizations. This location offers employment opportunities in a commercially active area, addressing community concerns from the prior proposal.
Public Notice
Railroad Neighborhood Plan: Helena’s city staff will present the Railroad District Neighborhood Plan virtually to the consolidated planning board on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m. This plan outlines future zoning and policy directions for the 6th Ward, Railroad Urban Renewal District, and Midtowne area. The final draft can be accessed on the Be Hear Helena website.
By The Numbers
Helena Food Share distributed Thanksgiving meals to 1,427 families during the holiday season. Thanks to its Turkey Challenge, it provided over 2,800 meals. Christmas meal distributions are scheduled for Dec. 19 through the Grocery Share Market. Sign-ups are available on their website.
5 Things to Know in Helena
First county allocation of MOAT funds: The Montana Opioid Abatement Trust has allocated $115,000 to Lewis and Clark Detention Center for a medical provider to assist inmates with opioid-use disorders. For more details, visit the program page.
St. Peter’s new hires: St. Peter’s Health expanded its Cancer Care team with oncologist Dr. Karine Darbinyan and nurse practitioner Jamie Wilcox, replacing temporary physicians.
City-County text alert rebrand: Officials plan to rename the emergency alert system to address user confusion. Residents can sign up for the revamped system on the Lewis and Clark County website.
A world record for a Helena College cause: Teen Joshua Schwerin achieved the youngest pilot record to fly across the lower 48 states, raising $11,000 for Helena College’s aviation program. More information on the Guinness World Records site.
Potential licensed establishment fee changes: Lewis and Clark County is collaborating on a new fee system for inspecting licensed establishments. A public meeting on proposed changes will be held on Dec. 12 via Zoom.
Might Be Fun
A Carroll Christmas: Carroll College will host Christmas stroll tours on Dec. 10, starting at 5:30 p.m. Tours begin every 30 minutes from the east steps of O’Connell Hall. For more details, visit the college’s website.
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