MRM Announces Expanded Services

On September 1st MRM extended our Emergency Shelter hours. We are now open from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. These services are focused on helping those under the influence of drugs and alcohol into a shelter so that we can work with these individuals to transition them into our life change programs. Additionally, we resumed our Outreach Services to those not currently in our programs. Anyone in need of a safe place to sleep, a shower, and a meal is welcome (as long as they are not a danger to themselves or others in the shelter).

God loves all people and we do too. MRM’s extended services serve people from all walks of life, including those who are disabled, in wheelchairs, with walkers, LBGTQ, those with mental illness, and addiction. Our facility includes separate women’s, men’s, family, and emergency shelter areas. 

Our goal is to bridge a gap that exists in our community from the time other day centers close and be a safe haven for people in the upcoming cold months. Our expanded programming will allow us to better meet the needs of those who are not ready to step into rehabilitative programs and complement our 24/7 programs.

After our first day of outreach day, 30 new guests came to the Rescue Mission from living in parks, doorways and on private property. This expansion is truly impactful change for our community. The team went to areas near St. Vincent De Paul, First Church, Salvation Army, North Park, the skate park and other areas where homeless people have been sleeping. Our team talked to people on the streets, encouraged them to come to MRM, transported those who needed it, delivered their belongings, and swept the city sidewalks where people had been sleeping. It has been reported to us that people who are sleeping on the streets don’t want to stay at MRM, however this proved to be untrue. We were overwhelmed with the positive response we have received and how many people were excited to come stay with us.      

We are now serving on average about 160 people in our Rehabilitative Program and 40 in our Emergency Shelter Program. Similarly, as we work for community impact, in the last three months we were able to transition people out of our programs and place 300 people in permanent housing. 

We invite you all to partner with our success to continue to drive change in our community. We will continue to help those in need through spiritual care, mental health support, addiction recovery, housing, education, and much more. If you would like to learn more about our updates and services, and discuss ways to partner, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

These last few years haves stretched us all to the breaking point in many ways and none of us were at our best. However, coming out of the pandemic, we intend to continue increasing our services and our results. Despite internal and external pressures, we managed to remain open 24/7/365 despite quarantine and isolation, and illness.  At the same time our shelter guest numbers have increased 70%. It has been a couple of difficult years for us, but we continued to help those in need.

We all know that poverty, addiction and homelessness is a problem in our community. With your support the Montana Rescue Mission can continue providing the necessary programs needed to help end homelessness, one person at a time.