Keeping Out the Chill

Bozeman’s Warming Shelter for our local homeless opened this November, the day after Thanksgiving. Located in an old office building at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, this winter has seen several improvements to the Shelter. Indoor plumbing, additional bedding, and a small TV mark the minor upgrades that serve the 18-24 people who can accommodate the space.

“We’re happy to have a place for people to go, a place to refer individuals and families that have no other options, and that is safe and healthy,” said Stephanie Gray, youth director at the nonprofit Human Resource Development Council.

Each winter the Shelter stays open for the “four” months of harsh winter we encounter here in Bozeman, MT. It is not a food service or a luxury by any means. The center’s purpose is only to offer the barest of necessities in a safe and warm environment so that no one freezes to death. Bozeman is the only large MT city without a permanent homeless shelter, but last year, the community raised $39,000 for the center which covered all its operating fees.

For more information contact Gail Schontzler at gails@dailychronicle.com or 582-2633.

Source: http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/city/article_4dc16dfe-1a5f-11e1-881f-001cc4c002e0.html