BILLINGS – The impact of the homeless community is one that all of downtown Billings feels, but perhaps the most tangible effects are felt by to the Community Crisis Center. And as the winter cold moves into Billings, the impact on the homeless population in downtown Billings begins to ramp up.
With the Montana Rescue Mission recently announcing that they will turn away intoxicated individuals on even the coldest nights, there could be more people on the streets facing the winter chill.
Marcee Neary, executive director of the Crisis Center, says they simply do not have enough space or resources to deal with the scope of the homeless population in downtown Billings.
“We have got quite a few services to offer, but in our little, tiny building, we are tapped out at 45 people,” said Neary.
To address the problem the Crisis Center is seeking out community partners who would be willing to offer space on the coldest of nights to the lowest risk individuals who come to the Crisis Center not in need of medical services, but simply a warm place to stay.
A meeting will be held on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Crisis Center to outline the course of action the Crisis Center is hoping to put in motion, as well as to seek support and members of the community are invited to attend.
“It doesn’t lie on any one organization, the entire community has to surround the issue and decide to take some efforts together,” said Neary.
