Bozeman and regional partners push a shared strategy for shelter, transitional housing and funding

Bozeman commissioners reviewed a regional strategy for homelessness coordinated through the Regional Housing Coalition and a working group tasked with expanding shelter capacity, funding transitional housing and identifying longer‑term support mechanisms.

Funding and scope: Staff reminded commissioners that the city budget includes a roughly $500,000 annual allocation for shelter services and transitional efforts; staff said additional transitional housing funds are being scoped and that CDBG is generally better suited to project‑based funding rather than ongoing operations. County and nonprofit partners were described as critical to scaling capacity.

Regional coordination: Commissioners and staff emphasized the regional nature of shelter demand: people who are unsheltered in neighboring jurisdictions often use Bozeman services. Commissioners discussed the need for a regional funding approach so the city is not the sole long‑term payer for services used by county residents.

Programs and gaps: The working group identified three priorities: immediate funding to maintain shelter operations, development of transitional housing to bridge people into permanent housing, and identification of sanctioned parking/encampment management sites where appropriate. Staff said some federal funding streams are project‑based and not ideal for operating costs, and that philanthropic and county contributions will be necessary.

Next steps: Staff and the Regional Housing Coalition will continue to refine project proposals, pursue identified grant opportunities where feasible and work on a county‑wide financing strategy for shelter operations and transitional housing projects. Commissioners expressed support for continued regional governance through the coalition and for exploring project options that could utilize existing federal and state grants where appropriate.