Because of federal funding (ARPA) coming to a hard stop, the City of Missoula is starting a wind down of the Johnson Street shelter, known as the J street shelter, beginning now with a hard stop at the end of August, 2025. With the attendance running between 120 to 180, this will have a significant impact upon those unhoused individuals, those of us who are service providers, and yes, all of Missoula.
The City’s strategy is The Housing Sprint. We will do whatever we can to help. But, we have been doing a “Housing Marathon” with these same unhoused individuals for the past few years.
Let me dive a bit deeper. Many of the J street residents have been at our Temporary Safe Outdoor Space (TSOS), or our Drop-in-Center (DIC), or engaged in the PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) program housed within Hope Rescue Mission (HRM). The result with some has been that we have ended our agreement with TSOS residents because of non-compliance with the user-agreement. Or, they are currently engaged with our housing navigators at the DIC or PATH and are in process toward housing. Theirs is not a sprint, but a tough long walk in many cases.
Two more thoughts: we do not want to see “Sprint” unhoused people cut in line for many that we are working with who are document and housing ready with vouchers, but have not had the opportunity to get into a living quarters. Second, we at HRM do not want to harm the relationships we have built with various landlords and property owners around town. Let me state it here; a roof does not solve the root of mental health, substance use, or trauma many of these human lives have experienced.
Here at Hope Rescue Mission, we believe deeply in transformational development. This means by the grace of Jesus Christ, and through partnerships and collaboration, all need the chance to move forward. Here is our roadmap. Street to Shelter to Recovery to Stability. This road map requires a marathon, long game mindset.
We look forward to any success the housing sprint might bring. However, for us we will continue day in and day out to serve in this long-road of transformational development. We will serve so the unhoused can find employment, find and retain housing, establish a sustainable life that will give encouragement to them and our community. Your prayers, giving, and volunteerism help move the needle forward. Thank You!!