We here at Forward Montana Foundation are concerned about keeping our friends, neighbors, and loved ones safe, and it’s okay to be worried about COVID-19 because it’s a public health threat unlike any we’ve faced in a long time. AND we can’t let our fear distract us from the truth about how to fight it: We all have to come together, locally in our community and in our state, nationally and even internationally and all do our part to stop it’s spread.
What Each of Us Should Do:
Stay at home and please urge others to do the same. As Governor Bullock ordered staying home: 1) protects your health, family; 2) protects community health; 3) flattens the curve for health care workers; and 4) limits longer-term impacts to area economy.
We have compiled the following list of resources for aid and support from across the state. As new resources come up, the list will be updated. If you know of any additional resources, not listed, please contact Terry, our Development Manager, at terry@forwardmontana.org to have it added.
Statewide
Aid and Support:
Montana Works Unemployment: If a person cannot work because their employer has temporarily closed or decreased services (such as a restaurant only providing take-out or drive-through), you can receive unemployment benefits. A person does not need to quit their job in order to receive benefits due to the impact of COVID-19. Contact the Montana Department of Labor at 406-444-2840 and they can help file a claim or go here to file.
Montana 211 Volunteer Opportunities
Black Student Academic Fund- COVID-19 Crisis Request Form: Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the cancellation of universities throughout the state, The Montana Racial Equity Project will be offering resources from their Black Student Academic Fund as long as funds are available. Disclaimer – the funds that are they able to send you may not be all that you need.
Montana Legal Services Association
Montana Tip Jar: Are you a service industry employee? Register here to receive support directly to your Venmo account. If you would like to support service industry employees by tipping, please go here.
Want to support local businesses? Purchase local gift cards here.
News and Updates:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Department of Public Health and Human Services
Billings
Local News and Updates:
Yellowstone County Health Department
For survivors of domestic violence:
Butte
Aid and Support:
Bozeman
Aid and Support:
Bozeman Mutual Aid: Includes sign-up form to volunteer or request aid
Bozeman Salvation Army Sack Lunches: For those parents who will be trying to figure out extra meals for their homebound kids due to spring break and school closures, The Salvation Army has free sack lunches Monday through Friday 9:00AM – 12:0 PM and 1:00PM – 3:00PM. We also have hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, and some toilet paper. Address: 32 S. Rouse Avenue 59715
HRDC Volunteer Opportunities and rental assistance
Gallatin Valley United Way Volunteer Opportunities
Southwestern COVID-19 Response Fund
Want to make masks?
For survivors of domestic violence:
Haven: 1-406-586-4111
Local News and Updates:
Gallatin County Health Department
A call center is available from 8am-5pm every day: 548-0123. After hours, the Health Department main number, 582-3100, is available for urgent questions. These are the most accurate local sources for information.
Missoula
Aid and Support:
Missoula COVID-19 Mutual Aid Organizing Facebook Group
Local News and Updates:
Missoula City-County Health Department
Great Falls
Aid and Support:
Periodic “Seniors Only” Shopping Hours at Target, Smiths, and Albertsons
Double Barrel Coffee House Cafe: Offering free sack lunch to all children from 11 am to 2 pm until further notice.
Local News and Updates:
Cascade City-County Health Department
Hill/Blaine/Liberty County area:
HRDC District 4 is lifting up their domestic violence hotline, as social distancing and quarantine can put some folks at risk. The number is: 406-265-2222
Nationwide
Aid and Support:
COVID-19 Resources for Undocumented Communities
24hr National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 or online chat at online.rainn.org
24hr National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233, text LOVEIS to 22522, or online chat at thehotline.org
National Disability Covid-19 Healthcare Support and Advocacy Hotline: 1-800-626-4959