Montana Rescue Mission to Extend Emergency Shelter Hours During Winter

If you or someone you know is going to have a rough time finding a place to stay during the winter this year, there's a place you'll be able to go. The Montana Rescue Mission Emergency Shelter is an absolutely fantastic resource for those who are homeless or having issues finding a warm, comfortable place to stay. The good news is that the shelter's hours have been extended through the cold winter months.

Winter Months are Absolutely Brutal for the Homeless

Last winter, it was reported by the Billings Gazette that over a dozen homeless people had wandered into the St. Vincent de Paul shelter with mild to severe frostbite. This obviously isn't good, but it was made even worse because the shelter became the primary location for supplies, food, and shelter in the city and making it overcrowded.

Statistics show that 700 homeless people in the United States die of hypothermia every year and that 44% of the homeless don't have regular access to shelter. These numbers are far too high, and it shows that there's a massive problem with sheltering the homeless all over the country, not just in Billings or Montana.

Extended Hours Critical to Homeless in Billings

In a press release, Reverend Matt Lundgren, executive director of the Montana Rescue Mission stated that the extended hours of their Emergency Shelter is absolutely necessary for the homeless here in Billings. He went on to state:

Our outreach has been a big success. Even though the need keeps growing, we are proud to continue to deliver and even expand our services. Our work is more than a warm night's sleep. We provide the services needed to address underlining issues and find permanent housing which is good for individuals and good for our community.

- Rev. Matt Lundgren, Executive Director, Montana Rescue Mission

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The Montana Rescue Mission also supports the homeless in other ways, including providing meals and clothing. More information about their mission and ways you can volunteer can be found by visiting their website here.