People at the Johnson Street Temporary Emergency Shelter now have new bathroom and shower facilities thanks to a new “modular” building constructed by the city of Missoula and private partners.
Representatives from the Missoula Redevelopment Agency, the Missoula Economic Partnership, and the Poverello Center hailed the new facilities as “a big win” during a recent unveiling.
Jill Bonny, the executive director of the Poverello Center, which operates the Johnson Street Shelter, mentioned that homeless individuals appreciate the new facilities and feel valued.
The new space includes several bathrooms and two showers that are open year-round.
Previously, the site used port-a-potties that did not meet health department standards. The new bathrooms are ADA compliant and have had a significant impact since coming online this month.
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Stories have emerged of individuals being moved by the quality of the facilities, with one person expressing disbelief at having such nice amenities to use. Another individual described the new shower as the best they had in years.
The project received $500,000 in tax increment financing from the Missoula Redevelopment Agency and $325,000 from the Missoula Economic Partnership.
Contractor Dave Edgell managed the construction as a donation of his time, with additional in-kind contributions from various partners.
Grant Kier, president and CEO of the Missoula Economic Partnership, noted the project’s importance in providing basic services to homeless individuals striving to improve their lives.
The building is mobile, allowing for potential use at other shelters or city events.
The Johnson Street location, initially opened as a temporary winter shelter, now operates year-round and can accommodate around 160 people.
The city is seeking additional funding for the shelter but acknowledges that it is not a permanent solution to homelessness.
MRA Director Ellen Buchanan highlighted the shelter’s impact in preventing deaths due to exposure since its inception.
A mural depicting the Clark Fork River and Mount Sentinel’s “M”, painted by local artist Averi Iris, adorns the backside of the new bathrooms.
The introduction of the new bathrooms coincides with the upcoming implementation of new urban camping laws in Missoula.
Griffen Smith covers local government for the Missoulian.
