Increasing numbers of women and children in Missoula are experiencing or witnessing violence in their homes. Hundreds of individuals and families are also living in inadequate or substandard housing, while some have no homes at all. YWCA Missoula believes that everyone has the right to a life free of violence and that every person is entitled to safe and decent housing. We are determined to create a community where all people, regardless of gender or race, have opportunities for growth, leadership and power.

Domestic Violence

The Pathways program offers safe and confidential shelter, crisis counseling and support services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Services include the 24-hour crisis hotline; emergency shelter for women, men, and children fleeing abusive situations; walk-in peer counseling; weekly support groups; in-house short-term therapy; referrals to community resources; and legal, personal and medical advocacy.

Learn more about the YWCA’s Domestic Violence Services

Resource list for survivors of domestic violence

Sexual Violence

After being raped or assaulted, navigating through the medical, legal and emotional aftermath can feel overwhelming, YWCA Missoula is committed to providing a safe place to think through those first steps in the healing process and finding support. Surviving a sexual assault is not easy, but with the YWCA’s non-judgmental advocacy, survivors can begin to heal.

Learn more about the YWCA’s Sexual Violence Services

Resource list for survivors of sexual violence

Supervised Visitation

Planet Kids

YWCA Missoula’s Planet Kids Supervised Visitation & Exchange Center offers a safe, child-friendly environment where court-ordered and voluntary visits between children and their non-residential parents can occur.

Learn more about the Planet Kids program

Homelessness

Ada’s Place Transitional Housing 

This 18-month program is designed to help homeless survivors of domestic violence with or without children work toward self-sufficiency and independence. Ada’s Place offers participants the opportunity to gain knowledge, education, and skills in a variety of areas while working on goals that will assist them in obtaining permanent housing and achieving economic security.

Learn more about the YWCA Transitional Housing Program

Ada’s Place Emergency Housing

This 30-day emergency housing program is available for homeless families who are committed to seeking stable, permanent housing. Apply through the Gateway Assessment Center at the YWCA, using the application below.

Rapid Re-Housing Program

This short-term rent assistance and support program is available for homeless families in Missoula County. For more information, call Allie or Melissa at (406) 543-6691.

Gateway Assessment Center

A short-term assessment, referral, and supportive services program, which offers YWCA case management and short-term motel stays for homeless families with children under age 18. To apply, download the Emergency Housing application above and send it to or drop it off at the YWCA at 1130 W. Broadway Missoula, MT 59802. Applicants will be contacted for an initial meeting.

The Gateway Assessment Center is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Girls' Leadership

Girls Using Their Strengths (GUTS!) is a unique, community-based leadership and empowerment program designed by and for young women, ages 9 to 18. Part of YWCA Missoula’s Leadership Institute for Women & Girls, GUTS! encourages young women to explore their own personal values and discover their strengths through wilderness adventures in the summer, continuing during the school year with after-school groups and community service projects.

In the face of a culture that sexualizes young girls and places more value on external appearance rather than inner strength, GUTS! provides a safe and supportive environment for girls. Our women staff and volunteers help girls build their confidence, explore important issues, develop strong and healthy relationships, practice their leadership skills, learn about the environment and the world, laugh, play, and have FUN!

To join an after-school group or register for a summer outdoor wilderness adventure, call Roe at (406) 543-6691 or email [email protected]

Learn more about the GUTS! Program

GUTS! Events Calendar

Racial Justice Initiative

The YWCA believes racism is a woman’s issue. We can’t empower all women until we eliminate racism. Women of color we serve in our other programs have a harder time finding permanent housing and employment, getting an education, and accessing health care than white women.

YWCA Missoula’s racial justice award-winning social marketing campaign is used as a model for other YWCAs in mostly white communities like ours. The messages are intended to be positive, powerful, and accessible, and to be far-reaching in impact.

Learn more about the Racial Justice Initiative