On January 31st of 2007, the Poverello Center was the lead agency participating in a “point of time” survey funded by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The survey results were startling and recorded the highest number of homeless individuals in Missoula since surveying began (the results indicated a 65% increase in homelessness over the first point in time study conducted in 2005).

The canvass found that 551 homeless people were identified in Missoula on one given day. 67 folks planned to stay in their car (it was 16 degrees that night). 54% of those in the survey were families with children (91 children were six years old or younger; and 150 kids were between seven and fourteen years old). 33% of those surveyed were employed. The Poverello Center, Joseph Residence and Valor House provided a majority of the area's survey responses utilized in this study.

The Poverello is the region’s largest soup kitchen and shelter.  We provide a vital, unduplicated service to our community and our region.

Source: 2007 Montana Statewide Homelessness Survey