Homelessness is a growing crisis in Montana that will only be made worse by the proposed $1 billion cut from health care services now being considered by the state legislature. For years now, homelessness in our communities has been akin to a house thatâs slowly catching on fire â and the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown gasoline on the flames. Over the last year weâve seen a dramatic rise in the number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness across Montana. For example, before the pandemic, Missoulaâs largest encampment would have up to 50 people living in it. During the pandemic, that number more than doubled to over 100 people.