Family Promise of Missoula
About Family Promise of Missoula
The clearest thing about Family Promise of Missoula is that it does not wait for a housing crisis to get worse before stepping in. It offers prevention, shelter, and stabilization services for families experiencing homelessness and low-income families, with support that includes meals, case management, and help moving into stable housing. For donors, that means backing an organization that stays with families before, during, and after homelessness, instead of only showing up at the hardest moment.
What sets Family Promise of Missoula apart is its community-based approach. Local congregations, volunteers, the YWCA of Missoula, and MIC all play a role in helping families stay together and connected to housing support. The work covers prevention, emergency shelter, and stabilization, so families are not left to piece together help on their own.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Prevention services
Shelter diversion, rental assistance, and transportation programs that help families avoid homelessness.
Emergency shelter
A collaborative shelter model at the Missoula Family Housing Center with case management, meals, and support for families of all compositions.
Case management
Each family works with a case worker to find and implement lasting solutions and connect with community resources.
Just Neighbors Stabilization Program
Post-housing support that helps families stay in stable housing, strengthen financial capability, work toward employment goals, and build community connections.
Community initiatives
Tenancy preparation, financial literacy, virtual career pathway training, childcare, job training, food assistance, furniture and clothing donation, and health and wellness programs.
Welcome Baskets and housewarming supplies
Housewarming gifts and necessary supplies for families moving into homes of their own.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Our mission is to help families experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.
Who they serve
Families experiencing homelessness and low-income families, especially families with children.
Their impact
- $3 in goods and services returned for every $1 raised
- 87% of families sheltered find housing
- 1,460 family meals served in 2023
- 600 volunteers engaged in Missoula
- Over 80% successful in getting families into stable housing and effective employment
- About 30 families each year since 2023 have been able to stay in their own homes
- Welcome baskets delivered to 13 families in 2021
- Welcome baskets delivered to 48 families in 2022
How your donation helps
- Provide shelter
- Provide food
- Support comprehensive services for families experiencing homelessness
- Gas cards
- Gift cards
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Welcome Basket supplies and housewarming gifts
- Rental assistance
- Transportation support
Our story
Family Promise of Missoula started with a local community meeting in 2009 and opened its first host site in 2012. From there, it grew through partnerships with congregations, Missoula Interfaith Collaborative, and the YWCA of Missoula. In 2021, it opened the Family Housing Center at the Meadowlark, then expanded prevention services in 2023 and began implementing the Just Neighbors Stabilization Program in 2025.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Family Promise of Missoula’s services.
Families who have lost housing or are at risk of losing it, and who have children in their custody under age 18 or are pregnant, can contact YWCA Missoula for immediate assistance. Walk-in supportive services are available at the Missoula Family Housing Center Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and callers can use (406) 543-6691 with questions.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Our goal is not simply getting families into housing; it is keeping them in housing.
Having the opportunity to walk alongside families, providing support when needed, and being at least a small part of their success, keeps me coming back for more.
I met a lot of good friends. My daughter was happy! That's what mattered most.
Events
Night Without A Bed
annualA recurring event used to engage support and raise funds for family homelessness services.
Family Promise Week
annualA recurring awareness and engagement event.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Family Promise of Missoula has shared.
Current needs
- Gas cards
- Gift cards
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Household supplies for Welcome Baskets
- In-kind donations for families moving into housing
Volunteer opportunities
- Prepare a meal
- Read a story
- Help write a resume
- Serve a meal
- Evening host
- Do laundry
- Deliver Welcome Baskets
- Assist with fundraising events
- Organize a supply drive
- Lead Story Time
- Provide direct support as a Walk-In volunteer
- Serve as a Housing Advocate Network advocate
- Volunteer as a group host or support group
Recognition & press
In the media
- Missoulian, "2 Missoula nonprofits come together to help homeless families", covering a collaboration to help homeless families in Missoula.
- KPAX, "Missoula's Meadowlark Family Housing Center offers new food program", covering a new dinner-meals partnership at the Family Housing Center.
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
In the news
Articles featuring Family Promise of Missoula from the Love What You Fund newsroom.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What does the Just Neighbors Stabilization Program do?
It helps families after they move home from a housing crisis. The program includes a Stabilization Coach, goal setting, volunteer team support, and help with housing stability, financial capability, employment goals, and community connections.
How do families get emergency help?
Families who have lost housing or are at risk of losing it, and who have children in their custody under 18 or are pregnant, can contact YWCA Missoula for immediate assistance. Walk-in supportive services are available weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Missoula Family Housing Center.