ABOUT HOUSING HUMANS

Housing Humans, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was borne out of the pain and helplessness of watching my youngest sister, Marcella Dawn Tate (1975 – 2019), struggle with addiction and homelessness. After spending time in jail, Marcy found her way to sobriety and housing with the help of Front Door, a compassionate, nonprofit organization in New Hampshire. It felt like a true miracle. Unfortunately, two and a half years into her sobriety, Marcy suffered a fatal overdose.

Since its inception in 2019, Housing Humans has primarily been funded through a percentage of Lemondairy sales at the Western Montana Fair. That line you wait in for your Lemondairy? It’s a donation to our most vulnerable citizens. In the winter of 2022, I began asking friends and the community for donations - money, warm clothing, supplies - and Missoula showed up!

Every person deserves housing and the security it provides. No exceptions. In Marcy’s honor, Housing Humans is dedicated to helping and empowering the unhoused population in Missoula, Montana. Currently, we distribute supplies that help provide warmth and comfort in the winter; relief in the summer; temporary shelters; water, and immediate necessities.

Housing Humans is in its beginning stages. As we’ve grown, desired programs have emerged and dreams formulated. Future services Housing Humans will offer include security deposit assistance, utilities assistance, and grants for women leaving incarceration. Assistance for women like my sister, Marcy, who have to find their way alone, will support them on the road back to their family and community without the threat of homelessness and basic survival. Eventually Housing Humans will purchase property and build housing opportunities desperately needed in our community.

In talking with our unhoused community members I am learning more about their needs, hopes, and dreams. Their voice is important and Housing Humans intends to help their dreams become reality.

Lily Tate

Founder & President

“Nothing is ever out of reach.” - Hafiz