MISSOULA — The Missoula Office of Emergency Management is also working with the Poverello Center and Hope Rescue Mission to reach out to the homeless community camped near the Clark Fork River along Reserve Street.
Hope Rescue Mission director of outreach, April Seat, says there are more people located in the homeless encampment than ever, and her team visits with them four times a week to offer food, supplies, and assistance.
As the threat of the area becoming overrun with water becomes more imminent, Seat says the interaction has been very positive, and she feels there is an understanding of the sense of urgency to relocate to a safe location, even if it’s temporary.
“The relationships we have built is the most important because we can work with them like, what is your resource right now?" Seat said. "Is there somewhere temporary you can go? We can help you pack up your stuff and move there, but mostly it’s directing them to higher ground if they have nowhere to go.”
Seat says if anyone in the community is interested in helping with supplies such as hygiene kits or bottled water, they are encouraged to drop them off at the Hope Rescue Mission or the Poverello Center.
