LIVINGSTON, Mont. — HRDC is opening its Livingston Warming Center ahead of schedule to meet the urgent need for emergency shelter in Park County.

The need for emergency shelter in Park Co. has grown in nearly five years. According to the 2024 point-in-time count, nearly 50 unhoused people are in Park County.

The cost of operating the warming center from December to March is approximately $180,000.

HRDC is seeking $90,000 in local support to help cover costs and extend operations through the winter season.

Operations will begin on December 20 and the warming center will remain open until February 28.

If you would like to donate, visit thehrdc.org/donate.

The following was sent by HRDC:

HRDC will open the Livingston Warming Center ahead of schedule this winter and begin operations on December 20 to address the urgent need for emergency shelter in Park County. The Warming Center will remain open until February 28 unless additional donations are received.

Since its founding in 2019, the Livingston Warming Center has provided vital shelter to people experiencing homelessness during Montana’s harsh winters. Originally scheduled to open January 1, HRDC is accelerating the schedule due to growing demand and community needs.

“With temperatures dropping and the need for shelter increasing, we felt it was critical to act sooner,” said Brian Guyer, director of emergency and supportive housing at HRDC. “We are committed to providing a safe and caring place for our Park County neighbors during these difficult months, but additional funds are needed to ensure the shelter remains open beyond February 28.”

The cost of operating the warming center from December to March is approximately $180,000. HRDC is seeking $90,000 in local support to help cover these costs and extend its operations later in the season.

The need for emergency shelter in Park County has increased significantly in recent years. The 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) count found nearly 50 unhoused people in Park County, a sharp increase from just five in 2020. For many, the Livingston Warming Center is a vital resource in the winter.

“The generosity of the community has made the creation of the Warming Center possible year after year,” added Guyer. “We are grateful for the continued support that allows us to provide this essential service. »

To donate to the Livingston Warming Center, please visit thehrdc.org/donate.

As a private, nonprofit community action organization, it focuses on building a better community through nearly 50 initiatives. HRDC fights poverty in southwest Montana and believes everyone deserves the opportunity to be financially stable. To learn more about us, visit www.thehrdc.org.