Viewpoint: Community action agencies help Montanans

Joe Loss

For decades, Montana’s Community Action Agencies have been trusted organizations for people to turn to in times of crisis. Maybe it’s an unforeseen medical emergency, or the home they’ve rented for years was suddenly sold by the owner, and finding another affordable place to rent proves nearly impossible.

In this part of the state, the District XI Human Resource Council (HRC) assists people in Mineral, Missoula, and Ravalli Counties. I’ve had the honor of serving on their board for the past 12 years. I have also volunteered with the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative as a Housing Advocate, where I endeavor to “walk alongside” people navigating a complicated set of barriers to find housing again or stay housed. Through this work I have been reminded over and over again what an essential role our local Community Action Agency, HRC, plays in our communities.

I remember one individual I worked with who found herself between jobs longer than she had expected. As a result, she ran out of savings and was forced to camp out while working temp jobs and trying desperately to save enough money to get rehoused. It was HRC that came through with a federally funded Emergency Solutions Grant to help her finally afford the deposit and first month’s rent. Once housed, she could actually have a base from which to get restarted in her teaching career, which she was able to do almost immediately after settling into her apartment. This is only one of so many examples of how HRC helps people get back on their feet and achieve financial stability again.

As federal budget decisions in Washington DC take shape over the next several weeks, we appreciate the support of Montana’s federal delegation to continue funding the programs that keep the doors open at HRC and Community Action Agencies across the state.

One such program is the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). CSBG has received bipartisan support in congress for the past 60 years and has demonstrated proven success in helping Montanans weather tough times and get back to living healthy, independent lives.

Joe Loos, HRC board member and volunteer