This week is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and a Montana nonprofit is highlighting what it calls the "invisible crisis" of homelessness among kids and families.
Family Promise of Great Falls is hosting its annual Night Without a Bed Thursday at the University of Providence. Executive Director Greg Grosenick said housing struggles for students aren't something people usually see.
"We're talking about kids age 18 and under," said Grosenick, "that are still in high school or younger kids that are in grade school that are couch surfing or bouncing around from place to place, possibly living in motels, living in vehicles."
Across Montana, more than 5,700 students experienced homelessness during the 2023-2024 school year, according to the Montana Office of Public Instruction.
Grosenick said already this school year, Great Falls Public Schools has had contact with more than 200 kids experiencing housing insecurity. He said about 25 different agencies will be at Thursday night's event to help students and families get the services they need.
He said students from Great Falls' two high schools run the event, and their ideas and enthusiasm have helped it take off. He added there is still a stigma around reaching out for help, especially for high school kids.
"You're trying to figure out how you fit into life, and what group you fit in, and be successful playing football, or basketball, or singing in choir," said Grosenick. "I can't imagine how much more difficult that can be when you don't know where you're gonna stay that night."
Grosenick said he hopes this year's event will help educate the community about the growing problem of homelessness in Montana. He noted the state faces specific challenges with its lack of affordable housing and its geography.
"We don't have those large urban areas with lots of opportunity to look around and try and get people into housing," said Grosenick. "We really are situated by ourselves a little bit, and so we're just trying to tackle this in the best way that we can."
