Food. Shelter. Dignity. A lifeline for Missoulians experiencing homelessness.
Overview
The Poverello Center—known affectionately as “the Pov”—is one of Missoula’s most essential safety-net organizations. Every day, the Pov provides emergency shelter, warm meals, medical respite, outreach services, and pathways to long-term stability for individuals experiencing homelessness or deep hardship. As a core access point for the Missoula Coordinated Entry System, the Pov helps people navigate the complex web of housing and social services with dignity and respect.
Founded through grassroots community effort and sustained by decades of volunteerism, the Pov continues to evolve to meet Missoula’s changing needs—remaining a place where neighbors can turn for safety, stability, and hope.
🌟 What the Poverello Center Offers
Below is a fuller, more intuitive breakdown of the Pov’s core programs, designed to help residents and service providers find what they need quickly.
🛏️ Emergency Shelter
A safe place to sleep, every night.
- Short-term, low-barrier shelter for adults experiencing homelessness
- Nightly check-in starts at 8:45 PM
- Walk-in intake at 1110 West Broadway
- Staff support available during intake
- Personal belongings can be stored securely
- Guests are connected with case management and housing options when available
Shelter beds cannot be guaranteed if the facility reaches capacity, but staff work to help every person find an alternative option when possible.
🍽️ Food Programs
Three hot meals a day—no questions asked.
- Breakfast: 6:00–7:30 AM
- Lunch: 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
- Dinner: 5:00–6:30 PM
- Sack Lunch Program: Portable meals for individuals who work day labor or spend long hours outdoors
- Food Pantry: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 5:30–7:00 PM
- Meals and pantry access through the Cedar Street entrance
These programs ensure that anyone in Missoula who needs food—families, individuals, seniors, and unhoused neighbors—can access healthy, nutritious meals.
🧼 Basic Needs & Support Services
Everything from hygiene to connection.
- Showers, toiletry access, and hygiene supplies
- Laundry facilities
- Mail, phone, and messaging services
- Computer lab for job searches, housing applications, and communication
- Onsite connections to partner agencies who specialize in mental health, employment, legal support, addiction services, and more
These services help reduce barriers and support daily stability.
🏥 Medical Respite Program
A place to heal safely after hospitalization.
For individuals who are medically fragile or recovering from illness or surgery, the Pov provides a quiet, supervised environment to recuperate when no stable home exists.
- Referral-only program
- Most referrals come through Providence St. Patrick Hospital
- Staff monitor health needs and support recovery planning
Contact for referrals: (406) 541-7808 or apayne@thepoverellocenter.org
🚶 Homeless Outreach Team (HOT)
Meeting people where they are—literally.
The HOT Team builds trust with individuals living in camps, vehicles, and unsheltered locations throughout Missoula. The team provides:
- Food, water, and essential supplies
- Weather gear
- Connection to shelter and medical services
- Safety checks and wellness support
HOT Line: (406) 493-7955
This number is an alternative to non-emergency 911 calls for concerns involving unhoused neighbors.
🇺🇸 Veterans Housing Programs
The Pov partners with the VA Healthcare for Homeless Veterans and Grant & Per Diem funding to provide transitional housing exclusively for veterans experiencing homelessness.
Veterans Shelter Program
- Stay up to 90 days
- Must be enrolled in Montana VA Healthcare
- Consistent bed space
- Storage lockers
- Access to three meals daily
- Dedicated community room with kitchen appliances, TV, computer
- No cost
Housing Montana Heroes (HMH)
- Up to two years of transitional housing
- Double-occupancy rooms
- Transportation assistance for medical or goal-related tasks
- Veteran-only laundry and bathroom facilities
- Service fee of 30% of income or $200 (half returned upon successful program exit)
These programs emphasize dignity, community, and long-term stability.
❤️ How to Access Help
For shelter:
Walk-in at 1110 West Broadway
Nightly check-in: 8:45 PM
For meals:
Enter via Cedar Street
Three meals served daily during listed hours
For food pantry:
Mon/Wed/Thu — 5:30–7:00 PM
If living unsheltered:
Call the HOT Line: (406) 493-7955
For medical respite referrals:
(406) 541-7808 | apayne@thepoverellocenter.org
For veteran housing:
Walk in and complete an intake packet OR call (406) 532-6690
🙌 Volunteer & Community Involvement
The Pov relies on volunteers to keep its kitchen running, distribute food, support residents, and maintain outreach programs. Opportunities include:
Kitchen & Meal Service
Prep or serve meals morning, midday, or dinner.
Food Pantry Volunteers
Help distribute groceries to community members.
Homeless Outreach Team Support
Join HOT staff during scheduled outreach shifts.
Mail Sorting & Administrative Support
Help manage communication for shelter guests.
Clean & Care Collective
Weekly community cleanup and engagement.
Group Volunteer Opportunities
Organizations, faith groups, and clubs can book volunteer shifts (advanced notice required).
Contact: (406) 532-6680
🏡 Why the Poverello Center Matters
Homelessness isn’t only about lacking shelter—it’s about lacking support, stability, healthcare access, and a path forward. The Pov’s blend of emergency services, daily stability, and long-term housing pathways makes it a cornerstone of Missoula’s efforts to ensure homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.
By addressing basic needs with compassion and connecting people to broader community systems, the Pov helps individuals restore their health, dignity, and autonomy.
📍 Contact Information
Address: 1110 West Broadway, Missoula, MT
Phone: (406) 728-1809
HOT Outreach Line: (406) 493-7955
Veterans Housing: (406) 532-6690
Medical Respite: (406) 541-7808
Website: https://thepoverellocenter.org