Billings, Montana – As winter sets in, bringing colder temperatures, Billings is preparing to open a new shelter to address its growing unhoused population. This development is a significant step towards providing necessary support and accommodation for those in need.
The shelter, located at a hotel on 4th Avenue North and North 26th Street, near the back of the Yellowstone Art Museum and across the street from the old federal courthouse, aims to offer 20-30 rooms for the homeless. This initiative was announced on December 21, the shortest day of the year, which is also recognized nationwide as a day to remember the homeless. In Billings, this day was marked by a homeless vigil, emphasizing the need for collaboration to address homelessness in the city.
Off the Streets, a nonprofit organization, is leading the effort to transform the Fourth Avenue Inn, formerly known as the Big 5 Motel, into a low-barrier emergency shelter. Jim Mack, the board chair of Off the Streets, highlighted their inclusive approach, stating, “Anyone can stay as long as they’re not an immediate danger to themselves or to others.” The organization also focuses on guiding people to help in various areas, including mental health and addiction, believing that relationship-building is key to changing behavior.
The hotel management plans to rent out rooms to Off the Streets, and the owners are also considering providing housing. A note on the hotel’s door indicates a need for donations, with an estimated cost of $83 per week to house three individuals per room.
Despite this positive development, there are concerns about potential roadblocks, from city approval to capacity issues. However, Off the Streets assures that these concerns have been addressed.
An integral part of this initiative was the Homeless Persons Memorial, hosted by RiverStone Health on the Yellowstone County courthouse lawn. The memorial, led by Riverstone Health President & CEO John Forte and Program Manager for Healthcare for the Homeless Misty LaFranier, commemorated the nine individuals from the community who died in 2023 while homeless. It served as a poignant reminder of the human impact of homelessness and the urgent need to find solutions.
Bailey Despar, a speaker at the event who has overcome homelessness, shared her personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of humility, kindness, and gratitude, and reminding everyone that homelessness can affect anyone.
The new shelter, expected to open in four to six weeks, represents a beacon of hope and a step forward in Billings’ efforts to combat homelessness. It’s a testament to the community’s commitment to supporting its most vulnerable members and addressing a critical social issue.
