A Sacred Network of Mutual Aid
Montana
Resources & Refuge
"You are not alone. Whatever has brought you here, there is help across Big Sky Country — from Billings to Missoula to the Flathead. Shelter, food, healing, and hands ready to hold yours. Begin wherever you need to."
Immediate Help in Montana
Find Help Now
Real, currently operating resources across Montana. Choose a path below — each holds verified shelters, programs, and organizations ready to help today.
The Sanctuary
Emergency shelter and a safe place to rest across Montana.
Montana Rescue Mission
City: Billings
Services: Low-barrier emergency shelter for men, women, and children; three meals a day; outreach; and on-site housing support
Notes: Welcomes everyone, including those not ready to commit to sobriety. Outreach line: 406-259-3800.
Phone: 406-247-0140
Address: 2902 Minnesota Ave, Billings, MT 59101
Website: montanarescuemission.org
The Poverello Center
City: Missoula
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, food pantry, showers and laundry, medical respite, and coordinated entry
Notes: 130-bed shelter, often full — overnight stays via a nightly sign-up. Homeless Outreach Team (HOT-line): 406-493-7955.
Phone: 406-493-7955 (HOT-line)
Address: 1110 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT 59802
Website: thepoverellocenter.org
Great Falls Rescue Mission
City: Great Falls
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, and recovery programs for men, women, and children
Notes: A faith-based shelter serving north-central Montana.
Website: gfrescuemission.org
Samaritan House
City: Kalispell
Services: Emergency shelter and transitional housing for the Flathead Valley
Notes: The Flathead's largest homeless shelter, with supportive services.
Address: 124 9th Ave W, Kalispell, MT 59901
Website: samaritanhousemt.com
HRDC District IX
City: Bozeman & Livingston
Services: The Warming Center emergency shelter, Family Promise, food, and housing assistance
Notes: Human Resource Development Council serves the Gallatin/Park County area.
Website: thehrdc.org
Montana 211 — Shelter Help
City: Statewide
Services: 24/7 help finding a shelter bed or warming space anywhere in Montana
Notes: Dial 211 to be connected to coordinated entry and the nearest open shelter.
Phone: Dial 211
No safe place tonight? Dial 211 any time. In a Montana winter, shelters expand capacity in extreme cold — 211 and local outreach teams can help you get inside.
Bread of Life
Food banks, pantries, and meals across Montana.
Montana Food Bank Network
City: Statewide
Services: Connects people to food pantries, meal programs, and mobile distributions statewide, plus free SNAP application help
Notes: Use the online finder, or call the SNAP hotline for help applying.
Phone: 406-239-6475 (SNAP help)
Website: mfbn.org/find-food
Poverello Center — Meals & Pantry
City: Missoula
Services: Three meals a day to anyone who asks, plus a food pantry
Notes: Meals at 6–7:30am, 11:30am–1pm, 5–6:30pm (Cedar St entrance). Pantry Mon/Wed/Thu 5:30–7pm.
Address: 1110 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT 59802
Website: thepoverellocenter.org
Montana Rescue Mission — Meals
City: Billings
Services: Three nutritious meals daily, plus sack lunches for those who work
Notes: Open to anyone who is hungry. See The Sanctuary for details.
Phone: 406-247-0140
Address: 2902 Minnesota Ave, Billings, MT 59101
Local Food Pantries
City: Statewide
Services: Community pantries in towns across Montana — from Polson Loaves & Fish to the Ronan Bread Basket and beyond
Notes: The Montana Food Bank Network finder lists hours and locations near you. Or dial 211.
Phone: Dial 211
SNAP stretches further than any pantry — see The Providence to apply at apply.mt.gov, and you can use a shelter or general-delivery address. The Food Bank Network's SNAP team can walk you through it.
The Healing Hand
Free and low-cost clinics, behavioral health, and care for people without stable housing.
Community Health Centers (FQHCs)
City: Statewide
Services: Sliding-scale medical, dental, and behavioral health care regardless of ability to pay
Notes: Centers like Partnership Health Center (Missoula), RiverStone Health (Billings), and PureView (Helena) serve all. Dial 211 for the nearest.
Phone: Dial 211
Website: mtpca.org
Poverello Center — Medical Respite
City: Missoula
Services: Short-term recuperative beds for people without housing recovering from a medical crisis
Notes: By referral only. Provides privacy and time to heal.
Phone: 406-493-7955
Website: thepoverellocenter.org
Western Montana Mental Health Center
City: Western & Central MT
Services: Community behavioral health — counseling, crisis services, and substance-use treatment
Notes: Offices across the region. Call for intake and program information.
Website: wmmhc.org
Montana Medicaid & Healthy Montana Kids
City: Statewide
Services: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible adults and children
Notes: Apply any time at apply.mt.gov, alongside SNAP and other benefits.
Website: apply.mt.gov
For a mental-health or substance-use crisis, call or text 988 anytime — free, confidential, 24/7.
The Haven
Safe places to shelter from the cold, plus guidance on camping in Montana.
Winter & Emergency Warming Shelters
City: Statewide (winter)
Services: Cold-weather emergency shelters and expanded capacity during dangerous Montana winters
Notes: Shelters like the Poverello and HRDC's Warming Center add space in extreme cold. Dial 211 for the nearest open site.
Phone: Dial 211 (24/7)
Homeless Outreach Teams
City: Missoula, Billings & beyond
Services: Outreach workers who meet people living outside with food, water, gear, and connection to services
Notes: Missoula's HOT-line (406-493-7955) is a non-emergency alternative to 911. In Billings, Montana Rescue Mission outreach: 406-259-3800.
Phone: Missoula 406-493-7955 · Billings 406-259-3800
Camping & Authorized Sites — Know Before You Stay
City: Statewide
Services: Guidance on where it is and isn't legal to sleep outdoors in Montana
Notes: Some cities have opened (and closed) authorized camping sites, and rules change quickly. Before settling somewhere, check with local outreach or 211, and see Rights & Laws below.
Phone: Dial 211 (24/7)
Montana winters can be deadly to sleep through unsheltered. If you have nowhere safe to go, call 211 or a local outreach team — they will help you get inside.
Living Waters
Showers, laundry, and personal-care access through day centers and drop-ins.
The Poverello Center
City: Missoula
Services: Showers, laundry facilities, toiletries, and access to other community agencies
Notes: Open to anyone in need alongside meals and shelter.
Address: 1110 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT 59802
Website: thepoverellocenter.org
Salcido Drop-In Center
City: Missoula
Services: Daytime drop-in space with basic needs, respite, and connection to services
Notes: A welcoming place to rest and warm up during the day.
Phone: 406-541-7809
Address: 535 Ryman St, Missoula, MT 59802
Montana Rescue Mission
City: Billings
Services: Hygiene access, showers, and clothing for guests alongside shelter and meals
Notes: See The Sanctuary for full details.
Phone: 406-247-0140
Address: 2902 Minnesota Ave, Billings, MT 59101
Hygiene and laundry access shifts by site and season. 211 keeps the most current list of open day centers and drop-ins near you.
The Guardian
Free civil legal aid — your rights around housing, eviction, benefits, and safety.
Montana Legal Services Association
City: Statewide
Services: Free civil legal aid for low-income Montanans — eviction, housing, public benefits, family, and consumer law
Notes: Apply online at MontanaLawHelp.org or call the HelpLine. Free and confidential.
Phone: 1-800-666-6899
Website: montanalawhelp.org
MontanaLawHelp.org
City: Statewide
Services: Free legal information, self-help guides, and court-ready forms — including Orders of Protection
Notes: A clear starting point for understanding your rights and preparing documents.
Website: montanalawhelp.org
Montana DOJ — Address Confidentiality
City: Statewide
Services: A substitute address and free confidential mail forwarding for survivors of abuse, stalking, or trafficking
Notes: Helps qualifying victims who have moved to a location unknown to an abuser. An advocate can help you apply.
Website: dojmt.gov/victims
Disability Rights Montana
City: Statewide
Services: Free legal advocacy protecting the rights of Montanans with disabilities
Notes: Help with discrimination, benefits, and access to services.
Website: disabilityrightsmt.org
Facing eviction? Don't wait — contact Montana Legal Services as soon as you receive a notice. You have a right to notice and a hearing before you can be removed.
The Providence
Government benefits — food, health coverage, and emergency help.
Montana DPHHS — apply.mt.gov
City: Statewide
Services: Apply for SNAP (food), TANF (cash), Medicaid, and LIHEAP energy assistance — all in one place
Notes: No permanent address required — you can use a shelter or general delivery. Public Assistance Helpline: 1-888-706-1535.
Phone: 1-888-706-1535
Website: apply.mt.gov
SNAP Help & EBT Support
City: Statewide
Services: Free help understanding eligibility, applying, and resolving SNAP case issues
Notes: Montana Food Bank Network SNAP hotline: 406-239-6475. EBT/Montana Access Card help desk: 1-866-850-1556.
Phone: 406-239-6475
Website: mfbn.org/snap-outreach
Social Security Administration
City: Statewide
Services: SSI and SSDI disability benefits, retirement, and survivor benefits
Notes: You can apply without a permanent address. Ask about expedited SSI if you're homeless.
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Website: ssa.gov
Montana 211
City: Statewide
Services: Free, confidential help finding any benefit, program, or service in Montana
Notes: Available 24/7. Also connects to energy assistance, rent help, and Community Action agencies.
Phone: Dial 211
If your benefits are denied or wrongly cut, Montana Legal Services (see The Guardian) can help you appeal for free. Homeless applicants often qualify for expedited SNAP within 7 days.
The Shepherd
Faith-based and community organizations offering food, shelter, and warm support.
Montana Rescue Mission
City: Billings
Services: Christ-centered shelter, meals, clothing, and recovery programs for men, women, and children
Notes: See The Sanctuary for shelter details. Cares for anyone experiencing hunger and homelessness.
Phone: 406-247-0140
Website: montanarescuemission.org
Great Falls & Butte Rescue Missions
City: Great Falls & Butte
Services: Faith-based shelter, meals, and recovery programs in north-central and southwest Montana
Notes: Two of Montana's longstanding Christian rescue missions. All are welcome.
Website: gfrescuemission.org
The Salvation Army
City: Missoula & statewide
Services: Emergency assistance, meals, food pantries, and seasonal support
Notes: Missoula corps at 355 S Russell St. Find the nearest through 211.
Address: 355 S Russell St, Missoula, MT 59801
Website: salvationarmy.org
Catholic Social Services of Montana
City: Statewide
Services: Counseling, family support, and emergency assistance, with help for people of all faiths
Notes: Connected to Montana's Catholic dioceses and the Montana Catholic Conference.
Website: cssmt.org
Many Montana congregations quietly help neighbors beyond what's listed here. If you have a home church, ask — and 211 can connect you to faith-based aid near you.
Know Where You Stand
Montana Rights & Laws
A plain-language look at the laws that affect people experiencing homelessness in Montana.
Food Benefits Without an Address
You do not need a permanent address to get SNAP in Montana. You can list a shelter or use general delivery, and have your Montana Access Card sent to a shelter or trusted contact.
Homeless applicants often qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. Apply at apply.mt.gov, or call the Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535.
The Montana Food Bank Network's SNAP team (406-239-6475) can help you apply.
Surviving Montana Winters
Montana has no statewide right to shelter, but during dangerous cold, shelters expand capacity to keep people alive — sometimes far beyond their normal limits.
LIHEAP energy assistance (through apply.mt.gov or your local Community Action agency) can help keep your heat on.
On any bitter night, dial 211 or call a local outreach team to find the nearest warming space.
Protections for Survivors
Montana offers real protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking.
- The DOJ Address Confidentiality Program gives a substitute address
- An Emergency Lodging Fund can cover up to 5 nights of lodging (by referral)
- Orders of Protection can be prepared through MontanaLawHelp.org
- Local advocates and 211 can help with safety planning
Camping & Eviction
Some Montana cities have opened and closed authorized camping sites, and following Grants Pass v. Johnson (2024), cities may enforce camping bans even when shelter is full.
For housing, a landlord cannot evict you without a court process — you have the right to notice and a hearing.
Before settling outdoors, check local rules. If you face eviction or lose property in a sweep, contact Montana Legal Services.
Across Big Sky Country
Help by Region
Resources reach across Montana. Here's where to start in some of the larger communities.
Billings & Yellowstone
Yellowstone County
Montana Rescue Mission, RiverStone Health, and the Community Crisis Center anchor services in Montana's largest city.
Start: Montana Rescue Mission 406-247-0140 or dial 211.
Missoula
Missoula County
The Poverello Center, Salcido Drop-In Center, Partnership Health Center, and the Salvation Army, all linked by coordinated entry.
Start: Poverello HOT-line 406-493-7955 or dial 211.
Great Falls
Cascade County
Great Falls Rescue Mission and area food banks serve north-central Montana, where shelter demand keeps rising.
Start: Dial 211 for shelter and food.
Bozeman & Livingston
Gallatin & Park
HRDC District IX runs the Warming Center, Family Promise, food, and housing assistance across the area.
Start: thehrdc.org or dial 211.
Kalispell & the Flathead
Flathead County
Samaritan House, the Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana, and area pantries serve the Flathead Valley.
Start: Samaritan House (Kalispell) or dial 211.
Helena, Butte & Statewide
All 56 Counties
The Friendship Center (Helena), Butte Rescue Mission, PureView Health, plus Montana 211, the Food Bank Network, and Legal Services reach everyone.
Start: Dial 211 — it covers every Montana ZIP code.
Pathways Forward
Montana Programs
Larger initiatives that move people from crisis toward stable housing.
Montana Continuum of Care & Coordinated Entry
Through: The Montana Coalition to Solve Homelessness & local partners
Helps with: A single assessment that prioritizes you for available shelter and housing across the state.
Start: In Missoula, the Poverello Center is an access point; statewide, dial 211.
NeighborWorks Montana
Through: NeighborWorks Montana
Helps with: Affordable housing, down-payment assistance, and financial coaching for income-eligible Montanans.
Start: Dial 211 or ask a case manager about NeighborWorks programs near you.
LIHEAP Energy Assistance
Through: Montana DPHHS & Community Action agencies
Helps with: Paying heating bills and weatherizing homes to survive Montana's winters.
Start: Apply at apply.mt.gov or contact your local Community Action agency.
Find Help Near You
Resource Map
An interactive map of Montana resources is on its way as the Network grows.
Interactive Map — Coming Soon
Soon this map will plot shelters, food, clinics, hygiene sites, and warming centers near your location across Montana.
Until then, dial 211 anytime for live, location-based help — or choose a city to be pointed in the right direction.
The Network Grows
Angel Outreach in Montana
Beyond these public resources, the Angel Network is preparing its own offerings for people in need across Montana.
Angel Offerings — Gathering
As angels gather and The Chalice fills, Hope & Grace will extend direct blessings, partner outreach, and community support to souls right here in Montana.
These offerings will appear here as the Network grows. If you are in need today, please request a blessing — and lean on the verified resources above in the meantime.
You Are Not Alone
However You Arrived Here
Whether you need shelter tonight or hope to one day become an angel for someone else — there is a place for you in this Network.