Missoula leadership group unveils On Our Way Home houselessness strategy

The Missoula County Commissioners held a significant public meeting on May 1, 2025, focusing on the community-driven strategy to address homelessness, titled "On Our Way Home." The meeting featured presentations from key members of the leadership group responsible for developing this comprehensive plan, which aims to make homelessness in Missoula rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Emily Armstrong, the Houseless Programs Manager for the City of Missoula, introduced the initiative, emphasizing its community-centric design. She highlighted the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including local organizations and residents, to effectively implement the strategy. The leadership group, consisting of 16 community members, spent over a year analyzing data and gathering input from individuals with lived experiences of homelessness, service providers, and community experts.

Sydney Goodman and Sam Hilliard, representatives from the leadership group, outlined the primary goals of the strategy. They identified critical needs such as affordable housing, employment opportunities, and mental health services as essential components in combating homelessness. They also acknowledged significant barriers, including a lack of funding and available housing units, which hinder efforts to support those experiencing homelessness.

The strategy proposes three main approaches: right-sizing the number of beds and related services, securing funding for high-priority activities, and increasing the capacity of provider organizations. Each approach aims to enhance the community's ability to respond to homelessness effectively. For instance, the Housing Solutions Fund, a collaborative effort between the city, county, and local organizations, has already assisted over 2,000 individuals since its inception, primarily focusing on prevention and support for those at risk of losing their housing.

During the meeting, the commissioners discussed the importance of endorsing the strategy, recognizing that it represents a collective effort rather than a city-led initiative. The leadership group requested formal endorsement from the commissioners to further solidify community support and encourage broader participation in the implementation process.

In conclusion, the "On Our Way Home" strategy reflects a significant step forward in addressing homelessness in Missoula. By fostering collaboration and focusing on community needs, the initiative aims to create sustainable solutions that will ultimately improve the lives of those affected by homelessness. The commissioners' endorsement of this strategy is anticipated to pave the way for more comprehensive actions and community engagement in the coming years.