Missoula County Government: Commissioners To Hear Update On Operation Shelter This Week

Press release from the Missoula County Government:

09/15/2021 9:15 AM

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The update will focus on the authorized camping site located off Clark Fork Lane in west Missoula (view map), which will serve as a low-barrier, low-services alternative to unauthorized camping below the Reserve Street Bridge and elsewhere in the community. Staff are still researching logistics and other aspects for an alternative location for the Temporary Safe Outdoor Space currently located south of Missoula near Buckhouse Bridge. Staff will present details on a proposal for that at a later date.   

Compared to the TSOS, the authorized camping site will provide limited services and there will be minimal requirements for residents to stay there. Services will include trash removal, bathrooms and security, and the site also will be fenced. Staff will provide more details on logistics and operations of the site during Thursday’s update. Costs will be paid for with funding the County and City received through the American Rescue Plan Act and other federal programs. 

Members of the public and media can join the meeting in person at the courthouse or via Teams using the following information:  

Microsoft Teams meeting 

Join on your computer or mobile app 

Click here to join the meeting 

Join with a video conferencing device 

623215837@t.plcm.vc 

Video Conference ID: 111 636 383 7 

Alternate VTC dialing instructions 

Or call in (audio only) 

+1 406-272-4824, 214288766#  

Phone Conference ID: 214 288 766# 

The site is the most recent development in Operation Shelter, a project the City and County launched earlier this year to identify and vet potential locations for community members currently camping near Reserve Street and elsewhere in the community. An initial report and recommendations were released at a public meeting in July, and the City and County then used ARPA funds to hire a temporary staff member to research operational and logistical needs for potential sites, including necessary sanitation, security and staffing. 

Following the update, residents can submit public comment on the Engage Missoula website at www.engagemissoula.com/safe-shelter.  

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This press release was produced by the Missoula County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.