- Home
- Government
- What We're Doing About...
- For People Seeking Shelter
For People Seeking Shelter
This page is for people in Missoula who do not have shelter.
Use the quick links below to find more details about Missoula’s unsheltered population, local houselessness programs, and future planning.
Missoula Municipal Code 12.60 explains the rules for people living without shelter on public property, like parks and roads. The City’s goal is to keep parks safe for everyone—visitors, City staff, and people seeking temporary shelter. We focus on:
- Supporting our most vulnerable residents
- Managing shelter in parks as safely as possible
Indoor Shelter
Missoula has multiple shelter facilities.
- Poverello Center Emergency Shelter (adult shelter, food, services) – 1110 W Broadway St, 406-728-1809
- Meadowlark Family Housing Center (shelter for families & domestic violence survivors) – 1800 S 3rd St W, 406-543-6691
- Temporary Safe Outdoor Space (limited shelter space; call to join the waitlist) – 406-802-4309
- Learn about the vehicle permitting program
Find free bus routes to get there.
Emergency Weather Overflow Space
This is a temporary overnight shelter for people without housing during very cold weather when the Poverello Center is full. The goal is to keep people safe and warm.
When does it open?
- The overnight “feels like” temperature is 10°F or colder, and
- The Poverello Center has no more space.
How do I get in?
- Sign up for the Poverello Center’s nightly lottery.
- If you don’t get a regular bed and the overflow is open, you can wait for a ride.
- Missoula Interfaith Collaborative will provide transportation to a local church hosting the overflow space.
- You must ride with staff to get there.
- Locations are not shared publicly for safety and to avoid confusion.
Who makes this possible?
- Missoula Interfaith Collaborative
- The Poverello Center
- City of Missoula’s Houseless Programs
- Local congregations
Navigating a Housing Emergency
Call or visit any of the Missoula Coordinated Entry System front door access points listed below. They will help connect you with resources and supports through Missoula’s network of service providers.
- Hope Rescue Mission Drop-In Center (resources, support, shelter) – 2811 Latimer St, 406-549-4673
- The Poverello Center (shelter, food, services) –
- Poverello Center Emergency Shelter – 1110 W Broadway St, 406-728-1809
- Homeless Outreach Team M-F 9am-5pm (food, connection to resources) – 406-493-7955
- Human Resource Council’s 2-1-1 – Dial 2-1-1 or 406-549-5555 & ask to speak with an operator about your housing situation or visit Montana211.org.
Homeless Outreach Team
Call the HOT team at 406-493-7955 if you are living unsheltered and need resources.
Other Services
Dial 211 or 406-549-5555 or visit Montana211.org for additional community resources, including food, health, employment, and more. You can also visit NeedHelpMissoula.org for a digital directory of local programs for people who need a hand.
Personal Property
The City's ordinance requires us to give notice before we remove camp structures or property. Personal property remains when the City cleans up the site will be handled as follows.
- Any personal property that is collected from sheltering areas will inspected, and property that is in working order will be stored for owner pick up
- To help connect owners to their personal property, it is recommended that individuals label their personal property
- Property will be stored at the Missoula Police Department
- Items that will be stored include:
- Bikes in working condition
- Survival and camping gear
- Identifiable personal items (documents, cell phones, computers, medications)
- How do I reclaim property that was considered abandoned?
-
Items left behind during the clean-up process will be removed. The City will store a few items that are left behind in public spaces: working bicycles, survival and camping gear in working condition, identifiable personal items such as documents, cell phones, computers and labeled medications. You can retrieve stored belongings at the Police Department, without being asked about your criminal background or outstanding warrants. The City will store items for 30 days. Items that are clearly discarded or are valueless, hazardous, soiled, or subject to rotting or spoiling will be discarded.
- How do I report camping that is illegal or a threat to public health or safety?
-
You can report online to the City using this form. You can also report by phone at 406-552-6006. City staff investigate every complaint, though the response may not be immediate. If you feel you are in danger or a crime is being committed, please call 911.
- How do I get a permit to camp in my vehicle?
-
You can see details on our Vehicle Permitting webpage or download the brochure (PDF).
- How are violations handled?
-
Violations are treated as municipal infractions, not criminal offenses, so they do not result in jail time.
Here’s what to expect if you violate regulations:
- Written Warning: You will first receive a written warning.
- Infraction Notice: You might get a formal infraction 24 hours or more after the warning.
For Unsafe or Unsanitary Conditions:
- City staff will post a 120-hour notice at the site for cleanup.
- If property is not removed within 120 hours, it will be considered abandoned.
For Other Violations:
- A 24-hour notice will be posted.
- Any personal items left behind will be considered abandoned.
- How can I help?
-
The City works with the community and state agencies to support people experiencing homelessness in the community. Missoula’s own Community Development Division includes policies and resources to address housing and affordability. The strategy is a guiding document on the path to ensuring everyone in Missoula has a safe place to call home.
The City has programs to improve housing affordability, provide a single point of entry for those experiencing houselessness, and coordinate with community partners to provide shelter services. See the Poverello Center's website for the Homeless Outreach Team and shelter support donation needs.