BILLINGS — As the weather turns colder, the need to take care of Billings homeless becomes even greater.
The Montana Rescue Mission says that they stand ready to help, no matter what temperatures outside. Even following distancing guidelines due to the ongoing pandemic, the shelter says it is still able to house and take care of those in need effectively, all while serving three hot meals a day.
The executive director of Montana Rescue Mission, the Rev. Matthew Lundgren, said Thursday that they continue to prosper even in challenging times, thanks to an outpouring of support from the community. Last week alone, the mission saw a huge increase in donations ahead of the cold weather.
“We have had a large outpouring of community support with the cold weather,” he said. “People dropping off coats, blankets, hats and gloves, winter boots... all things that we desperately need. And with the cold weather and the first snow of the year, people call us up and say, ‘how can I help?’ And we’ve seen a real outpouring of that. So we are very thankful and of course we can use more. Coats, hats, gloves, warm blankets and socks.”
Right now, the greatest need is warm clothing for men and women of all sizes. Winter jackets that are XL and XXL are high demand as well. Also, children's coats, gloves, hats, ages 2 to 18.
Clothing and food donations can be made in person by drop off at the Montana Rescue Mission Administration Building, 2902 Minnesota Ave. in Billings. Monetary donations can also be made through their website at https://montanarescuemission.org/ways-to-give/ .
