Homeless Assistance in Montana

Homeless Assistance in Montana

Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Montana residents.

1,600+
People experiencing homelessness
70+
Assistance programs statewide
$22M+
Federal housing funds
56 Counties
With local resources
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Need help right now? Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline connects you to local shelters and services in Montana within minutes.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for Montana residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across Montana. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Montana. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for Montana veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible Montana residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Montana. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Montana receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Montana Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Montana locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Montana community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income Montana residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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Montana State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by Montana for residents experiencing homelessness.

Montana ESG Housing Programs

Montana Board of Housing distributes state and federal grants for emergency shelter, transitional housing, and homeless prevention statewide.

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TANF – Montana (FAIM)

Families Achieving Independence in Montana provides cash assistance and employment services. Apply at any local DPHHS Office of Public Assistance.

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Montana Medicaid

Health coverage for eligible low-income Montana residents. Medicaid expansion (HELP Act) covers adults up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

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Montana Housing Programs

Montana Board of Housing provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Montana residents.

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Montana Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Montana’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income Montana households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major Montana cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Billings

Family Service — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Billings area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Missoula

Poverello Center — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Missoula area.

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Great Falls

Great Falls CoC — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Great Falls area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Montana.

Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline that connects you to available shelter beds in Montana near you in minutes. Available in English and Spanish. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211.org.
No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in Montana. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. Montana benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.
Yes. Montana has strong programs for homeless veterans including:
  • HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
  • SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
  • Montana Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Montana veterans
Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.
Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Call 211 and ask specifically for rapid re-housing in Montana.
Apply at Montana’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.