EBS STAFF
Bozeman’s annual Point-in-Time Count found 394 people experiencing homelessness this January, down 25% from 523 last year, marking the first decline in years. Human Resource Development Council President and CEO Heather Grenier attributed the drop to expanded shelter capacity, stronger coordinated referrals and increased affordable housing.
“This progress is not a coincidence,” said Grenier in a press release from HRDC. “It reflects years of partners building a more complete response to homelessness by expanding shelter capacity, strengthening programs and coordinated referrals, and increasing the supply of affordable homes.
According to Grenier, HRDC and the Regional Housing Coalition partnered to produce or preserve over 750 affordable homes.
“Each part is essential: shelter provides immediate safety, services help people regain stability, and housing gives them a stable place to go next.”
The Gallatin Valley has added three shelter facilities in recent years: HRDC’s 130-bed Homeward Point, Haven’s 40-bed campus for domestic violence survivors, and Family Promise’s shelter serving 100 families annually. “What’s new this year is that significantly more Haven participants who exited our emergency shelter exited into permanent, stable housing thanks to referrals to HRDC programs,” said Haven Executive Director Katie Madison.
Officials cautioned that the one-night count doesn’t capture everyone experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and said sustaining the progress will require continued investment and collaboration among local organizations.
