Warming Centers in Bozeman and Livingston Make Decision to Close

The HRDC Warming Centers in Bozeman and Livingston have closed due to concerns about spreading the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, to people experiencing homelessness.

The HRDC sent out a press release on Wednesday with more detail regarding the decision to close.

HRDC’s Warming Centers were scheduled to close for the season on March 31.

The Bozeman location will offer limited day services to provide guests with appropriate outdoor gear, showers, restrooms, and wellness checks.

The Warming Center in Livingston is working with community businesses to help shelter guests in other locations and will provide appropriate gear as needed.

“We know this is a difficult time for our community and particularly those without shelter. This decision did not come lightly and comes at the recommendation of our Advisory Council. The concern stems from the ability to appropriately space sleeping bunks in line with current CDC recommendations and the number and percentage of our Warming Center guests that are included in the high-risk population. We will continue to work with partners to explore alternative shelter solutions.”

says Heather Grenier, HRDC’s CEO and President.

HRDC is committed to taking every precaution considering the vulnerability of their team members, volunteers, customers and our community.

The HRDC has the health and safety of everyone in mind and intend to serve the community in the safest way possible.

They are working on ways to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while still making sure the essential needs of their customers are met. Numerous program adjustments across their family of programs and services to be able to continue to meet the needs of the community and respond to surfacing needs have been made.

The HRDC is currently seeking donations to help those in need in our community. They are in need of approximately 60 adult sized backpacks.

Please drop off your donations at the Warming Center, located at 2104 Industrial Drive, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.