The shelter is designed to house up to 40 people on Missoula’s south side.
Missoula’s Temporary Safe Outdoor Space is located on private property along Highway 93. It’s a response to pandemic-related limited capacity at permanent local shelters.
The project is a partnership between Hope Rescue Mission and United Way of Missoula County. The site has opened. There are approximately 15 people there now, says United Way CEO, Susan Hay Patrick.
It features regular COVID testing, sanitation services, winter-ready tents perched atop insulated platforms, as well as case management services.
During Wednesday’s online update and forum the project earned praise from several Missoulians, including Megan Locke.