MISSOULA — The YWCA said it has needed a better domestic violence shelter for years.
Now, a new building is under construction and on Friday, YWCA gave a tour of the facility.
Executive Director Cindy Weese said the shelter will give a safe place for many Missoula families.
"Ever since the Great Recession there has been a crisis around homeless families in Missoula," Weese said. "They have to wait two-to-four weeks to get in to a motel room or a church facility."
Weese said Missoula has the highest number of homeless families in the state, but not enough resources. The new building will house 90 people, and will offer same day services. There will be a kitchen on the first floor, and the rooms upstairs will have their own windows and temperature control.
"We will have extensive trauma informed services to support them as they heal and move on to independent lives," said Weese.
YWCA says this building wouldn't be possible without support from Montana Sen. Steve Daines.
"It's noble work to be a voice to those that don't have a voice," Daines said. "These vulnerable families that are victims of domestic violence."
Construction is expected to be finished by January, and families are expected to move in the spring. The YWCA is also hiring three new full-time overnight advocates to suit the needs of Missoula women, men, and families.
