Missoula, Mont. — Local nonprofit organizations in Missoula, Montana, are closely monitoring the ongoing legal challenges surrounding the Trump Administration’s plan to pause certain federal funding. While the freeze has not yet affected their operations, nonprofits like the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Missoula and the Supporters of Abuse Free Environments (SAFE) in Hamilton are preparing for possible future cuts that could disrupt critical services for vulnerable community members.
Becky Margolis, the communications manager for YWCA Missoula, emphasized the importance of preparing for potential funding changes, especially as many of the organization’s programs are funded through federal grants. “It’s just always important for us to be prepared and to ensure that we can continue providing services, which are crisis services, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” Margolis said.
YWCA Missoula offers a range of essential services, including an emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence, a shelter for homeless families, and children’s programs. While Margolis reported that the organization has not yet experienced any impacts from the funding freeze, the uncertainty of future funding cuts remains a concern, especially given that approximately 30% of the YWCA’s budget comes from federal grants.
One key program that relies heavily on federal funding is the Rapid Re-Housing Program, which is currently assisting 22 local families in need of stable housing. Margolis expressed concern about what could happen if federal funds are reduced or frozen, underscoring that this uncertainty weighs heavily on the organization’s ability to continue offering its services at the same level.
Similarly, in Hamilton, the Supporters of Abuse Free Environments (SAFE) shelter, which provides support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, also relies significantly on state and federal funding. Executive Director Stacey Umhey noted that around 60% of SAFE’s budget is funded by federal and state sources. The potential impact of losing federal funding, she said, would be devastating not only to the organization but also to the people it serves.
“The loss of funding means we won’t be able to provide housing, preschool education, emergency shelter, food, or safety for survivors of domestic and sexual violence,” Umhey said. “More importantly, it means real human lives will be affected.”
In the event of a funding freeze, Umhey indicated that SAFE would likely have to scale back its services and reduce the number of people it can assist. The organization would also turn to the community for support, rallying donations and volunteers to maintain essential services. However, the challenges of continued operations with reduced funding could be significant.
Margolis echoed Umhey’s concerns, emphasizing that, regardless of the political or financial landscape, the needs of survivors of domestic violence and other vulnerable individuals remain unchanged. “Our services are nonpartisan, and they are not a threat to democracy,” Margolis said. “They are solely focused on serving our most vulnerable neighbors and community members.”
At this time, both the YWCA and SAFE continue to operate without disruption, relying on their federal funding to serve those in need. However, both organizations are preparing for possible challenges ahead, with the understanding that the ongoing litigation over the funding freeze could lead to significant changes in the future.
For now, Missoula’s community-focused organizations remain committed to their mission of providing life-saving support, while hoping for a resolution that ensures their critical services can continue uninterrupted.
