MISSOULA, MT — The City of Missoula provided an update Wednesday regarding the phased closure of the Johnson Street Emergency Shelter, detailing plans for a “housing sprint” aimed at helping the unhoused population transition into stable housing.
Mayor Andrea Davis addressed the community’s concern, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative, community-wide response to homelessness. “Houselessness impacts our entire community and especially those experiencing it. And as such, it demands a community-wide response,” Davis said. “I appreciate the recognition that this is not a city issue and a city issue to solve, but the city is a partner with our entire community to solve this.”
The Johnson Street Emergency Shelter, which has been operating with federal emergency COVID-19 relief funds, will begin winding down in April, with full closure scheduled by August 31, 2025. The decision comes after the expiration of these emergency funds, which have allowed the shelter to operate thus far. City officials have made it clear that the shelter’s closure does not mark an end to the city’s commitment to addressing homelessness.
To mitigate the impact on those who will lose access to shelter services, the city is introducing a “housing sprint” initiative. This strategy aims to connect homeless individuals with permanent housing solutions by offering support for security deposits, assisting with rental applications, and collaborating with local community partners to provide more resources.
One of the key partners in this initiative is the Housing Advocate Network, a program of the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative. Zeke Campfield, the director of the network, voiced his support for the plan, urging local organizations to come together and support the community during this time of transition. “It’s an opportune time for us to come together as a community and really figure out where we’re needed and try to get involved in supporting these organizations through these times,” said Campfield.
While the city will not be allocating direct funds to the housing sprint, it aims to raise $400,000 through private donations. As of now, $100,000 has already been secured, signaling strong support from the community for this effort.
The city’s “housing sprint” model is not entirely new. In December, the city launched a pilot sprint, receiving $30,000 in donations. The program’s success rate was notable, with 12 people housed, and 80% of participants connected with housing solutions. Mayor Davis noted that overcoming barriers to securing housing typically requires around $2,000 per individual.
However, for those like Renee Joyce, who has been unhoused for five years, the approaching closure of the shelter raises concerns. Joyce, who has been told she may soon be placed in a housing unit with the Missoula Housing Authority, expressed uncertainty about her future. “I have nowhere to go as of August 31st unless they find placement for me before that date comes up,” Joyce said. “To go to an apartment, I was told by a gentleman from AWARE that I was going to have a place very soon on one of the Housing Authority properties.”
As the shelter begins to wind down its operations, the city’s “housing sprint” will start next week, with hopes of easing the transition for those most in need. While the success of this initiative will depend on both the availability of funding and the coordination of community partners, it marks a critical step in Missoula’s efforts to address homelessness in the long term.
