Survey Says There are 597 ‘Homeless Households’ in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Missoula is one of only a few cities that have achieved the ‘Built for Zero’ quality data milestone for all single adults experiencing homelessness.

KGVO News reached out to Emily Armstrong, Houseless Programs Manager for the City of Missoula about the achievement for details.

Missoula is Only one of a few Cities that Have Achieved the 'Built for Zero' Goal

“Missoula recently was informed by Built for Zero which is a program of Community Solutions, a national organization that works with communities across the country, that we achieved this quality data milestone for all single adults experiencing homelessness,” began Armstrong. “What that really means is recognition that Missoula has a rigorously approved and tested comprehensive ‘by name’ data source of every person who is experiencing homelessness within those specific populations updated in real-time for our whole community.”

Armstrong was able to specify just how many homeless households there are in Missoula as of this week.

The Current Count of Homeless Households in Missoula is 597

“Our latest ‘by nameless’ had 597 households on that list,” she said. “I say households because when we're counting families or folks who kind of operate in a family unit, we count the head of household in that number, so if that family has three children those children aren't necessarily included in that number, just the head of household is.”

Armstrong said all city agencies are deeply grateful to the community for its generosity to homeless organizations during the recent cold snap.

Armstrong Expressed her Thanks for Donations During the Cold Snap

“As far as I know, we've been able to work really closely with all of our community partners who are providing shelter and quick solutions to keep folks safe and warm during the past week or so,” she said. “I've heard so many stories over the last week of just a huge increase in donations for warming items over the weekend. I know there are also some churches and congregations who are stepping up their support. So there's just been a lot of that community collaboration. Missoula cares about its people and we've really seen that over this cold snap, so I'm just really grateful.”

Read the full article on the Built for Zero recognizing this landmark by clicking here.