HRDC’s Response to COVID-19

In an effort to slow the transmission of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, and to protect the many vulnerable populations we serve, HRDC is deploying new ways of meeting our mission across our family of programs and services. As new directives and guidance come forth and community partner conversations continue, we anticipate adjustments to the following.

Please know that we continue to receive directives and guidance from local, regional, state and national partners. We will be making operational changes routinely.

HRDC lobbies will be open from 10am – 2pm. Our Bozeman and Livingston office locations have entryway mailboxes and manila envelopes for our customers to drop off paperwork or request a phone call. Customers without a phone or email are being served on a case-by-case basis.

HRDC is Here to Help! Please let us know how we can provide you with assistance or connect you with services during this uncertain time. Example: “How can I access the Gallatin Valley Food Bank?” -OR- “I am a senior and in need of toilet paper and milk.”

Please sign up on our volunteer website to be notified of available volunteer opportunities such as Shop 4 a Senior, Food Box Packing, Food Box Distribution, Warming Center Moving Support, etc.

Cash donations are immensely appreciated.  Unrestricted funds give us the flexibility to meet the current local community needs especially during times like these.

We are unable to accept drop off donations at this time, however if you have a donation you think HRDC may benefit from, please click on the link and complete the form or email hello@thehrdc.org and let us know.

HRDC Services

Food Banks
– Gallatin Valley Food Bank is operating a drive-thru from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Monday thru Friday.

– Big Sky Community Food Bank has moved to prepacked food boxes and a drive-thru and will have additional hours of operations: pick-ups from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 am-3:00 pm Wednesdays and Fridays.

– Headwaters Area Food Bank offers prepacked food boxes and a drive-up model.
Tuesday 1 pm-4 pm
Wednesday 2 pm-6 pm
Thursday 10 am-2 pm

Mobile food box distribution in Belgrade is temporarily suspended.

– School has begun! Are you informed about the meal program at your school?  Learn more HERE

Warming Center:
HRDC is housing community members experiencing homelessness. Day Center activities are currently suspended.

Fork & Spoon:
Our Fork & Spoon is offering take-out only. Operating hours will stay the same, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The lobby, eating area, and bathrooms will be closed to the general public. Patrons will use the front entrance to pick up food to-go.

Streamline Transit:
1. Half-hour frequency service on Blueline, Redline, and Yellowline/Orangeline is suspended until further notice.
2. The MSU Campus Shuttle will no longer be running this semester.
3. The Bridger Bowl weekend shuttle is suspended due to the closure of Bridger Bowl.
4. LateNight (including both Upstream and Downtown) is suspended.

Galavan Para-Transit:
Galavan is operating based on staff availability and customer need. Robust cleaning procedures have been adopted.

Early Childhood Education:
HRDC Early Childhood Education centers are currently closed. Visit our YouTube channel to help keep your children growing and learning.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance:
For information about the stimulus package and how it relates to you, check out:  www.irs.gov/coronavirus/ Please be aware that Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file to be eligible for a payment.

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service launched a new web tool allowing quick registration for Economic Impact Payments for those who don’t normally file a tax return.  Access the tool HERE.

HRDC’s VITA Tax assistance program is temporarily suspended as we strive to protect our clients, volunteers and community from the COVID-19 virus.

The tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15 2020.  

Due to the ever changing implications of the virus and not knowing if our services will resume at this stage, we are recommending people seek out alternate ways to file their taxes.  

More information on the unfolding situation and resources to support: 

• Filing for an extension
• Filing yourself and
• Paper filing can be found here 

Senior Programs:
Senior Reach: Provides short term mental health counseling for older adults age 60 and above. Services are currently being offered via telephone and video visits. Please contact HRDC Senior Programs at (406) 587-5444. 

NEW** Shop 4 a Senior: This service helps seniors meet their essential needs by getting their groceries or other items without having to head out themselves. Seniors are invited to contact HRDC to request their essential needs. HRDC then recruits a donor/volunteer to pick up the items. Those items are given to HRDC, who then delivers the items to the seniors. This service is confidential and available to all seniors at no cost. To get assistance, seniors can call 406-587-5444 or scroll up and click the “Request Support” button.

Energy and Weatherization:

Our Energy Programs have resumed in Home Weatherization following the health and safety protocols recommended by OSHA and the CDC for public contact workers.  HRDC’s LIEAP and Energy Share programs are distributing and processing applications.  HRDC’s Bozeman office is open to the public from 10 am to 2:00 pm.   Please access our lobby through the Tracy Street entrance.  HRDC’s Livingston office is open to the public by appointment only on Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  All Energy Program applications should be mailed to the Bozeman Office.

HRDC encourages our customers to contact us by mail, phone, and email and staff will ensure you receive applications and information to apply for the energy programs.  All utility vendors in our district, including Northwestern Energy (NWE), have resumed disconnection of services for nonpayment.  NWE is sending disconnect notices in customer’s bills encouraging customers to contact NWE to receive information on resources to help them get caught up on past due energy bills.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, HRDC District IX has released a COVID-19 addendum found Here.

Contact Us:

Please direct inquiries to our main phone line or general email address, we are staffing our phones and email. Contact 587-4486 or hello@thehrdc.org or visit www.thehrdc.org for current updates.

HRDC’s Continued Response to COVID-19 – **Updated Daily