The Human Resource Development Council’s (HRDC) Housing Programs assists thousands of community members each year who are facing housing vulnerability. HRDC works to empower those experiencing a housing crisis to achieve a long-term sustainable housing solution. We work across the housing spectrum to make this vision a reality. HRDC supports our neighbors transitioning from sleeping outside to under their own roof. HRDC’s team of dedicated housing professionals use every tool in their toolbox to combat the challenges of securing affordable housing in Bozeman and the surrounding communities. From shelter, education, rental or down payment assistance, and one on one coaching, this team is positively impacting more than 1,000 households and families each year in our community.
For HRDC, helping those facing a housing crisis begins at the Warming Center. Preparing to open for its sixth season of providing emergency shelter to men, women and families experiencing homeless in the Gallatin Valley, the Warming Center provides a model of shelter which is unique in the state of Montana. The center, which is open nightly during the winter months, provided a safe place to sleep to more than 200 men, women, children, seniors and the disabled members of our community who have fallen on hard times. The Warming Center is rooted in the assertion that everyone deserves a warm place to sleep at night.
As our community’s only immediate response to homelessness, the Warming Center is funded entirely by community donations and made possible by the community volunteers and supporters who share our mission to provide a safe, warm alternative to the cold Bozeman nights which are right around the corner.
The month of October, Warm Hearts Month, will be filled a variety of event and opportunities to learn more about homelessness in our community and ways to get involved with making sure that no one is left outside in the cold.
October 10th will by our Annual Flying Signs events. Volunteers of all ages will take to the streets, holding signs on street corners at designated areas around Bozeman raising awareness and dollars to support Warming Center operations. This year, you can show your support not only by donating to our dedicated volunteers but by supporting a collection of local businesses who are flying their own signs by committing to donate 3% of sales on October 10 to the Warming Center. For a list of participating businesses, volunteer locations, or to register, visit www.thehrdc.org.
To learn more about the Warming Center, join us for our Open House and Supply Drive on October 24th between 9am and noon. We will be providing tours of the facility and collecting donations for the supplies needed to making running the center possible; including blankets, towels, paper and cleaning supplies. For a comprehensive calendar of events during Warming Hearts Month or to learn more about HRDC or donate to this important cause, visit: www.thehrdc.org.
