Off the Streets expands shelter capacity in Billings to support chronically homeless

The Billings City Council Work Session on January 21, 2025, featured a significant presentation from Off the Streets, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing chronic homelessness in the community. The meeting highlighted the organization's mission, achievements, and future plans as they strive to provide essential support to some of the most vulnerable individuals in Billings.

Off the Streets, founded in January 2022, focuses on helping those who have been homeless for extended periods, often facing severe challenges such as mental illness, addiction, and a lack of social skills. The organization aims to fill a critical gap in services by offering a low-barrier shelter that accommodates individuals who may not thrive in traditional programmatic shelters. The shelter currently has two rooms, one for men and one for women, each with six beds, and has recently expanded its capacity to serve 24 people.

During the presentation, representatives emphasized the importance of building trust and relationships with residents. They shared success stories, including that of a former resident who, after six years of homelessness, secured a management position at a local business. This individual now helps new shelter residents find employment, illustrating the program's positive impact on the community.

The organization reported that since its inception, it has sheltered 38 individuals, with 50% successfully transitioning to stable housing. Additionally, 44% of those served have found and maintained employment. The average stay in the emergency shelter is 19 days for women and 40 days for men, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in providing rapid assistance.

Off the Streets relies heavily on community support and recently received an anonymous donation to help sustain its mission. The organization aims to continue expanding its services and fostering collaborations with various service agencies to enhance the support available to residents.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the critical role Off the Streets plays in addressing chronic homelessness in Billings. By focusing on individualized care and community connections, the organization is making strides toward helping those in need find stability and hope for the future.