Authorized Camping Site Closing

The City of Missoula and its partner Missoula County will close its Authorized Camping Site on Clark Fork Lane as of November 16. The City and County will open the Emergency Winter Shelter at the Johnson Street Community Center on October 31. Staff at the camping site and staff from partner agencies will work with residents who are staying at the camping site to find alternatives for shelter, whether at the Emergency Winter Shelter or elsewhere.

The City and County set up the camping site as an emergency option during the pandemic around the time of prohibition of illegal camping under the Reserve Street Bridge in late winter of last year, excluding the people who were living there. The Authorized Camping Site is not viable for the long term without significant improvements, as it lacks heat, plumbing, sewer connection, air conditioning, adequate staffing and a stable funding source.

The Emergency Winter Shelter at 1919 North Avenue West, can sleep 135 people and shelter and warm 150 people. It offers a hot meal every day, along with packaged lunches. It is staffed around the clock with professional, trained staff.