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HRDC Accelerates Opening of Livingston Warming Center

HRDC Press Release

LIVINGSTON, MT — HRDC is opening the Livingston Warming Center earlier than planned this winter, starting operations on December 20th to meet the urgent need for emergency shelter in Park County. The Warming Center will remain open through February 28th unless additional donations are received.

Since its inception in 2019, the Livingston Warming Center has provided a vital refuge for those experiencing homelessness during Montana’s harsh winters. Initially set to open January 1st, HRDC is accelerating the timeline due to increasing demand and community need.

“With temperatures dropping and the need for shelter growing, we felt it was critical to act sooner,” said Brian Guyer, HRDC’s Emergency and Supportive Housing Director. “We’re committed to providing a safe, warm place for our neighbors in Park County during these challenging months, but additional funding is needed to ensure the shelter remains open
beyond February 28th.”

The cost to operate the Warming Center from December through March is approximately $180,000. HRDC is seeking $90,000 in local support to help cover these costs and extend operations further into the season. The need for emergency shelter in Park County has grown dramatically in recent years. The 2024 Point in Time (PIT) count revealed nearly 50 unhoused individuals in Park County, a sharp increase from just five in 2020. For many, the Livingston Warming Center is a life-saving
resource during winter.

“The community’s generosity has made the Warming Center possible year after year,” Guyer added. “We are grateful for the ongoing support that allows us to provide this essential service.”

To donate to the Livingston Warming Center, please visit thehrdc.org/donate.

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Brooke Poole

Public Sector

Since 2015, Brooke has been working with Allergan Aesthetics, Body Contouring. In 2018, Brooke began her role as Senior Manager of Training. Brooke graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Commercial Photography from Appalachian State University in 2011.

Brooke began her role on our Board in 2019. However, she feels it’s more fitting to say that she gets to serve on our Board. For Brooke, an evening at our Fork & Spoon was her first glance into our organization’s powerful work. As Brooke states, joining the Board has only expanded her appreciation for the caliber of people leading our mission and the impact of our vast ecosystem of services. While metrics alone are impressive, Brooke likes to visualize each number as an individual example of support – an extension of a helping hand, a moment of relief – given to one of our neighbors. She is grateful for the opportunity to participate in shaping HRDC’s future.

Although Brooke spends most of her volunteer time with HRDC, she was fortunate enough to build with Habitat for Humanity over the course of the summer in 2020. Her favorite place to spend time is anywhere under the Big Sky, although Hyalite may be her favorite place on Earth.

Ron Brey

Public Sector

Ron served as Bozeman’s Assistant City Manager from 1990 to 2008. After retiring, Ron joined our Board in 2011. Ron received his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Montana in 1977, and his Masters in Science in Rural, Town, and Regional Planning from the University of Montana in 1987.

During his time with the City of Bozeman, Ron saw the important role that HRDC has played in our community. Ron has seen that HRDC provides necessary social services to assure that all Bozeman residents could obtain housing, food, training, employment and the other necessities of life. He also came to understand that HRDC was always able to respond immediately as new community needs arose. Ron believes that the dedication, hard work, and compassion of HRDC’s staff make it a real honor to serve on the Board.

Ron also serves on the Trails, Open Space and Parks Committee for the City of Bozeman, and as a volunteer with the Red Cross. One of Ron’s favorite activities is walking his beloved dog every day, enjoying many of Bozeman’s trails and parks, like Burke Park, Bozeman Creek, and the Hyalite and Mount Ellis areas. Ron and his wife Claire enjoy spending their days with family, friends, and time outdoors.