United Way of Missoula County and Homeword Launch New Partnership for Missoula Gives to Strengthen Housing Stability
Missoula – United Way of Missoula County and Homeword proudly announce a brand-new collaboration during this year’s Missoula Gives. These two organizations are teaming up to support the Housing Solutions Fund (HSF), one of the community’s most effective tools to help neighbors quickly exit houselessness or avoid eviction and remain in their homes.
Together, the organizations aim to raise $20,000, with an added boost from a $3,000 matching gift. This match allows donors the opportunity to increase the impact of every dollar contributed.
The HSF is a flexible, responsive tool that assists neighbors in overcoming immediate barriers to stable housing. Through the fund, people in our community can access support for costs such as rental application fees, security deposits, past-due utility bills or transportation to reconnect with family support systems.
“In this time of giving, it made sense to partner with United Way of Missoula to raise funds for the HSF,” said Karissa Trujillo, the executive director of Homeword. “So many Missoulians, including our class participants and residents, benefit from the flexibility of this local source that keeps people housed.”
Homeword sees the impact the HSF can have for participants from its Financial Skill Building class and counseling. The funding also plays a key role in helping community members become and remain residents of Blue Heron Place, Homeword's Permanent Supportive Housing community they co-own with Missoula Housing Authority, as well as other safe, healthy and affordable rental communities the organization owns across Missoula.
Since November 2021, the HSF has invested more than $925,000 to support 877 households and provides average assistance of $1,695. Clients work with case managers to identify the way they most need the fund's help. Payments are then made directly to vendors on behalf of clients, ensuring funds are used efficiently and effectively.
The most significant value of this funding is its flexibility. People experience houselessness or face eviction for many reasons. The HSF trusts people to identify their own needs and supports them in finding resolutions.
One of many HSF success stories is that of Debbie, a local single mom, used the Housing Solutions Fund to finish paying off past-due rent and utilities. This assistance prevented her young family from being evicted.
“The HSF is a mighty ‘little engine that could,’" said United Way’s chief executive officer, Susan Hay Patrick. “It’s one of the most effective tools Missoula has to prevent homelessness. We have had to close the fund periodically when funding runs out, so maintaining and replenishing the HSF is an ongoing top priority at United Way. We are so honored to be partnering in this effort with Homeword, whose work we have long admired and championed.”
The Missoula community is encouraged to join Homeword and United Way of Missoula County during Missoula Gives, April 30-May 1, by donating to the Housing Solutions Fund. With a $3,000 match available, early gifts can go even further in helping neighbors stay housed.
To learn more or donate, visit https://www.missoulagives.org/campaigns/housing-solutions-fund.