On June 10, we witnessed a gathering of numerous Missoulians at city council chambers, spending 10 hours discussing the issue of unauthorized camping within city limits.
Attendees shared moving stories about the challenges of living without a home in our community. They talked about homelessness, urban camping, and the city’s efforts to enforce buffer zones outlining where unhoused individuals are allowed to be.
One woman shared her uncertainty about where her next meal would come from. Others talked about the hardship of carrying all their belongings with them every day, lacking a place to keep their possessions. Some simply asked for basic human dignity and respect, highlighting the importance of treating every individual with the respect they deserve. One person’s remark reminded us that any of us could find ourselves in need of assistance due to various unexpected circumstances.
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The meeting was challenging and eye-opening. However, amidst the hardships, there is hope. One unhoused individual aptly stated that above food, clothing, or shelter, what people truly need is hope.
Solving the issue of homelessness and related challenges is not solely the responsibility of city council or county commissioners—it presents an opportunity for all of us to turn our concern for unhoused individuals into concrete actions that benefit the entire community. This is a time for compassion, not blame, for understanding, not demonization.
You can become a beacon of hope today by:
- Becoming a volunteer advocate to guide unhoused individuals towards services and housing through the Housing Advocate Network. https://micmt.org/housing-advocate-network/discard
- Seeing unhoused individuals as unique people with their own stories and challenges, rather than labeling them as “the homeless.” One conversation can make a difference. One call can solve a problem.
- Providing safe parking spaces at your property for unhoused individuals to stay and access facilities. If you have repair skills, help fix campers for those in need.
- Supporting the Housing Solutions Fund, which assists Missoulians in accessing housing or staying housed. https://missoulaunitedway.org/housing-solutions-fund
- Donating your time, skills, or resources to organizations that provide essential support to those in need. (Visit www.lovemissoula.com for details)
Missoula is a hub of innovation and compassion. Let’s harness this collective compassion into tangible progress to help the most vulnerable in our community and create a better environment for everyone. When our neighbors suffer, our community suffers, and when they heal, so do we.
It’s time for action, for each of us to step up and make a difference. Let’s roll up our sleeves and start today. Hope is not just a word—it’s an action that begins with us, now.
Allie Harrison is a community volunteer involved in the faith community. Susan Hay Patrick is the CEO of United Way of Missoula County.
