MT HJ43

Requests an interim legislative study on the benefits of coordinated homeless services, wraparound services, and permanent supportive housing in Montana, with findings to be reported to the 70th Legislature

9,352 Montanans needed shelter services in 2023, with homeless services demand increasing 10% and chronic homelessness rising 13.5% between 2022 and 2024

Montana Healthcare Foundation evaluation found permanent supportive housing reduced detention center costs by 48%, emergency visits by 3.8 times, and total health costs by 6.7 times after 6 months of housing

Study must examine homelessness data from each Montana county, including last housed locations and rural access to services, and gather input from shelter staff, service providers, people who experienced homelessness, and local governments

All study components must be completed by September 15, 2026