Horizon donation backs Missoula families facing housing insecurity

MISSOULA, Mont. — YWCA Missoula has received $8,574 to help families dealing with housing insecurity.

The money from Horizon Credit Union came through a Member Impact Fund grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, which matched Horizon’s $2,500 contribution with another $6,074, Horizon said in a release.

Horizon said this year’s grant honored former regional director Alita Billington. Billington served on the YWCA Missoula board for years and died in June 2025.

Kathleen Makena, assistant vice president of community development, said the funding will help at a key time.

“This grant helps us support families at a critical moment and reinforces what community partnership can accomplish. At Horizon, giving back is part of who we are and we’re grateful to work alongside YWCA Missoula to help families move toward stable housing,” Makena said.

YWCA Missoula said it will use the donation for its Family Housing Center, an emergency shelter for houseless families.

The center serves at least 100 families each year. It offers private sleeping rooms with full bathrooms, case management and 24-hour support.

YWCA Missoula said families also have access to a shared kitchen and dining area, outdoor play space, children’s programs and therapeutic services.