Houseless Data

Missoula Coordinated Entry System (MCES) sees a disproportionate representation of racialized people in the houseless response system, particularly residents who identify as American Indian/Alaska Native/Indigenous.

These charts show that while Native American/Alaskan people make up 2.8% of the Missoula County population, they make up 14.1% percent of our unhoused neighbors. African Americans make up 0.6% of Missoula County’s population but 2.7% of folx experiencing houselessness in Missoula. Those who identify as multiple races comprise 7% of Missoula’s total population, but 8% of those experiencing houselessness. Systems of oppression impact housing opportunities for Missoulians that identify as Black, Indigenous, or other People of Color in Missoula; equitable solutions demand targeted and culturally appropriate services and supports.

Those experiencing houselessness in Missoula follow national trends, with single men most represented. The National Alliance to End Homelessness analyzed gender and houselessness in a 2019 report that explored some explanations of this phenomenon. The LGBTQIA2S+ community also experiences houselessness disproportionately, particularly young adults. Ending houselessness will require consideration of the unique reasons people of all genders become unhoused and what dynamic solutions exist to disrupt those situations.

Even amidst a national housing crisis, 75 individuals and families secured housing between April 2024 and October 2024. Many households moved into permanent rentals, with and without ongoing subsidies. One of the quickest housing solutions is moving in with family or friends. The persistence and hope it takes to secure housing are no small feat. Huge congratulations to those getting into housing and their support!

What is a housing subsidy? For households with low-income, housing subsidies can cover a portion of rent to stabilize the household for a limited period of time, or as long as they are eligible depending on specific program requirements and income limits. Some local examples of subsidized housing include programs like Housing Choice Vouchers (sometimes called “Section 8”), Permanent Supportive Housing, and Rapid Rehousing. Often, these programs are funded by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.