Financial Assistance
& Military Discounts
2-1-1 First Call for Help ~ United Way & Human Resource Council (HRC)
FREE confidential referral and information helpline and website open 24 hrs/day, 7 days/wk (Call 2-1-1 or 549-5555): Supplemental food and nutrition programs; utilities assistance; emergency information and disaster relief; Veteran services; AND MORE!
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP): http://humanresourcecouncil.org/energy-bill-assistance-services
HRC Mineral County: 211 Third Ave West, Superior (406) 822-4251, info@hrcxi.org
HRC Missoula County: 1801 S. Higgins Ave, Missoula (406) 728-3710, info@hrcxi.org
HRC Ravalli County: 303 N. Third, Hamilton (406) 363-6101, info@hrcxi.org
AARP Montana
Community Challenge Grants: https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/ Contacts: Nancy, nandersen@aarp.org; Tracy, tbertram@aarp.org OR Evey, eowen@aarp.org
How Veterans Can Maximize Their Tax Benefits When Filing ~ Tips https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/maximize-tax-benefits.html
Questions: AARP Montana (406) 457-4702, sreiter@aarp.org
Able Forces
Able Forces Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, founded by a disabled Veteran with a MISSION to provide immediate financial assistance to military and Veteran families identified in financial crisis.
Questions: (540) 631-9600, skip.rogers@ableforces.org
American Legion ~ Temporary Financial Assistance
https://georgialegion.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/6-TFA-APPLICATION-1.pdf
From the American Legion's "Americanism and Children & Youth Division” for Veterans with children.
Questions: AL Post 27 (406) 543-7391, hellgatepost27@yahoo.com
American Red Cross of Montana ~ “Service to the Armed Forces” (SAF)
https://www.redcross.org/local/washington-dc/about-us/our-work/service-to-the-armed-forces.html
Emergency Communications, Financial Assistance, Resiliency, Veteran Appeals, etc.
SAF Program Manager: Sara (406) 750-9939, sara.cease@redcross.org
Red Cross is the “Communication Arm of the Military”
Reconnection Workshops: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/deployment-services/register-reconnection-workshops
“Be Red Cross Ready!” http://serve.mt.gov/american-red-cross-of-montana/
VOLUNTEER - Missoula contact: Gini, (406) 750-9939, virginia.kay@redcross.org
America the Beautiful Military Pass
FREE annual pass for current US military members and their dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force, as well as Reserve and National Guard members. https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Amtrak Passenger Discount for Military Veterans
https://www.amtrak.com/veterans-discount
VA Blog: https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/66963/amtrak-offers-veteran-military-member-discounts/
Questions: (800) 872-7245
Bob Woodruff Foundation ~ Grants
https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/
The Bob Woodruff Foundation is a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring post-9/11 impacted Veterans, service members, and their families.
Contact: (646) 441-6864, info@bobwoodrufffoundation.org
Bus Routes ~ Mountain Line!
Map: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/58595/Warming-Shelters-Map-2021-Update-1
Questions: (406) 721-3333, info@mountainline.com
CELL PHONES (Free or Reduced)
"People with Medicaid, SSI and other govt. programs can qualify for a free or greatly reduced cost cell phone service!"
CLOTHING ~ Donations & Thrift
Alberton Clothing Company, PO Box 265: albertonclothingcompany@gmail.com
**DONATION PICKUP or MEET ARRANGEMENTS: please DM through Facebook, Instagram, OR call/text 406-880-5013. IF YOU NEED items and/or if you would like me to put together a bag of various items privately, please DM/message. To date, clothing has been distributed from St. Regis to Ronan to Arlee to Missoula; no community is excluded.
Bitterroot
Stevensville Free Store, 3614 ALC Way
406-369-0394 (Gail) Open: 10am-4pm, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Missoula
Bargain Corner, 200 S California St 406-543-4926 Open: 11am-5pm, Monday-Friday & 10am-4pm, Saturday
Hope Thrift Boutique, 702 SW Higgins Ave 406-728-5538 / 406-549-4673 (More info under HOPE Rescue Mission below)
ReStyle Clothing Exchange, 1010 North Ave W 406-317-1650 Open: 11am-7pm, Monday-Sunday
River of Life Clothes Closet 4007 MT-200, East Missoula 406-214-3803 Open: 24 Hours
Salvation Army Missoula, 355 S Russell St 406-549-0710 Open: 9am-3pm, Monday-Thursday
Secret Seconds Thrift Store, 1136 W Broadway St 406-549-1610 Open: 12pm-6pm, Monday-Friday
TC Resale & Donation Thrift Store, 2036 Mullan Rd 406-728-1171 Open: 10am-6pm, Monday-Saturday
Underground Thrift Store, 705 S Higgins Ave 406-543-7154 Open: 10am-3pm, Monday-Saturday
DAV Disaster Relief
Our Disaster Relief Program supports veterans, service members, surviving spouses and their families during times of great need in the aftermath of isolated/large-scale disasters.
https://www.dav.org/veterans/outreach-programs/disaster-relief/
Questions: Fort Harrison, (406) 495-2089
Grants for Veterans ~ Low Income
http://freegrantsforveterans.org/
Assistance for low income veterans with finding free grants. These grants help veterans with rent, housing, education, medical bills, and utility bills. Montana: http://freegrantsforveterans.org/grants-for-veterans-in-montana/
Questions: Carol Wright, carolwrightmails@gmail.com
Hilton Honors™ Military Program
https://www.naswa.org/partnerships/hilton-honors
Provides up to 100,000 hotel points to eligible Transitioning Service Members and Veterans to support needed travel for verifiable employment related activities, such as a job search, training for a new job, or finding housing (process can take 7-10 days for approval so plan accordingly) If you’re a Veteran seeking a short stay while conducting a job search or looking for housing, please contact: Nick Moschetti - State Veteran Coordinator, Montana Department of Labor & Industry (406) 444-1630, nmoschetti@mt.gov
Homeword ~ Financial Fitness Workshops
Financial Fitness Classes (Introduction to Achievable Savings Goals, Credit Repair, Retirement Strategy, Debt Repayment Plans, and Building YOUR Financial Freedom): http://www.homeword.org/our-services/financial-education/
Questions: 1535 Liberty Lane, Suite #116A, Missoula (406) 532-4663, info@homeword.org OR Katie@homeword.org
HOPE Rescue Mission (formerly Union Gospel Mission)
549-HOPE Ministry and Administration 2811 Latimer, Suite 223, Missoula (Revive Church) ~ Food & hygiene items, clothing & household goods. Helping People get back on their feet and restoring HOPE and resources in their time of need.
DONATE: https://www.hopemontana.org/contact/
Questions: 549-HOPE (4673), office@ugmofmissoula.org
OR April - Director Of Community Outreach (406) 542-5240, outreach@ugmofmissoula.org
The Independence Fund
https://www.independencefund.org/
To assist Veteran families who may be experiencing financial challenges, the Independence Fund established a new program, Independence@Home, to help homebound Veterans with emergent costs like rent, utilities, childcare, transportation, and grocery and medical product delivery.
VA Blog: https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/75056/independence-fund-expands-gift-cards-veterans/
Questions: (888) 851-7996, theverardos@gmail.com
Internet ~ White House
https://www.whitehouse.gov/getinternet/
The cost of high speed internet is fully covered for millions!
Questions: Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) www.fcc.gov/ACP or call 877-384-2575
Mancave Barbershop
https://the-mancave-barbershop.hub.biz/
Discount for Veterans! We specialize in men's grooming services including Hot Shaves and all types of men's haircuts and styles. 315 N. Pattee, Missoula
Questions: Paula Bauer (406) 370-0932, Tara Patton (406) 880-5831
OR (406) 542-2283, MSG FB page: https://www.facebook.com/mancavemissoula
Missoula Economic Partnership ~ Big Sky Trust Fund Grants
http://www.missoulapartnership.com/big-sky-trust-fund-grants/
Story: https://www.missoulacurrent.com/business/2020/01/job-grants-missoula/
APPLY: https://marketmt.com/BSTF
Contacts: http://www.missoulapartnership.com/contact/
Or, Nicole Rush, Business Initiatives Director (406) 541-6461, Cell (406) 594-7874, nrush@missoulapartnership.com
Missoula Food Bank
https://www.missoulafoodbank.org/
The Food Bank has a very simple form to obtain free school clothes for children. You just jot down age, pant size, shoe size and a phone number.
Questions: 1720 Wyoming St., Missoula (406) 549-0543
Missoula Mutual Aid Warehouse
150 S. Catlin St., Missoula
Everything is FREE and they don’t ask any questions except, “what do you need?” Diapers, wipes, formula, baby food; Cat/Dog soft & wet food; Cleaning products such as gallon of Clorox, gallon of vinegar, dish soap, sometimes laundry detergent (supply varies); Paper towels; Toilet paper; Feminine hygiene products; Razors, shaving cream; Thermometers; Can openers
HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays: 10am-7pm; Wednesdays 10am-1pm; Closed Friday-Sunday
Questions / Coordinate delivery: (406) 219-1843
Missoula Water Utility Bill Assistance Program
Administered through the Department of Public Health and Human Services for assistance with both water and wastewater bills in addition to assistance with energy bills. People who qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will also qualify for the Low Income Home Water /Wastewater Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
INFO: https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/energyassistance/
Questions: HRC 1801 South Higgins, Missoula (406) 728-3710
Montana Man Shop
http://www.montanamanshops.com/
1124 W. Central Ave., Missoula
Over the last ten years we have been honored to offer thousands of free haircuts to Veterans on Veterans Day! (buzz or scissor cuts to active duty, reservist or Veteran) at all eleven locations (Billings, Great Falls and Missoula / 8 in WA) We also happily provide a Veteran /first responder 20% discount every Wednesday on any service. Please have some form of military ID or DD214 available to show at checkout (we have even accepted some military tattoos in the past.)
Questions: Mike (406) 926-2740, mike@montanamanshops.com
NW Montana Veterans Stand Down & Food Pantry ~ Kalispell
http://veteransfoodpantry.org/
Serving those who have served! Dedicated to extending a helping hand up to homeless, low-income, and at-risk veterans and their families (Food boxes, clothing, household furnishings, Veterans Stand Down, benefits assistance, Peer Support, and much more!)
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Loan Program (1349 Hwy 2 East, Kalispell MT 59901): Accepting ALL donations of medical equipment, wheelchairs, etc. for the DME loan program & offer the equipment to all low income / at-risk Veterans free of charge.
Questions: Cinnamon Davis-Hall - Community Outreach Specialist (406) 250-2394, cdhall03@gmail.com
O'Reilly Auto Parts ~ Military Discount
https://www.oreillyauto.com/military-discount
Questions (local): (406) 721-3870 / 721-7830; Corporate: prichards@oreillyauto.com
PENFED Foundation
https://penfedfoundation.org/apply-for-assistance/emergency-financial-assistance/
Emergency Financial Assistance: The Military Heroes Fund emergency financial assistance program offers financial assistance for wounded, ill, and injured post 9-11 veterans who are experiencing an unexpected short term (1- 2 months) financial setback.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, Office of
Help Line (M - F 8:30AM – 4:30PM online apply.mt.gov): 1-888-706-1535
https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/OfficeofPublicAssistance.aspx
Montana DPHHS, OFFICE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (OPA), 2677 Palmer, Suite 100, Missoula, hhshcsopamissoula@mt.gov
HAMILTON, 310 N 3rd St, Hamilton, hhshcsoparavalli@mt.gov
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps); Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF); Health Coverage (Medicaid; Medicaid Expansion Programs; Health Coverage for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled, & Medicare Premium Assistance); Emergency Assistance to Families with Children; Referrals
Questions: Kara Thomas, Field Operation Manager, Missoula Field Office of Public Assistance, Public Assistance Bureau/HCSD/DPHHS, (406) 329-1233, kathomas@mt.gov
Double SNAP Dollars
http://www.doubledollarsmt.com/locations
Shop with SNAP/EBT and get bonus fruits & vegetables – swipe your EBT card to buy SNAP eligible foods.
Missoula: Farmers Market, N. Higgins Ave. by the XXX’s ($20 match per market) Saturdays May – October, 8am – 12:30pm and Tuesdays June – September, 5:30 – 7pm
Clark Fork Market: Under the Higgins Bridge ($20 match per market) Saturdays May – October, 8am – 1pm
Questions: (406) 926-1004, cfacinfo@missoulacfac.org
Retired Military & Annuitants Online
Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
Request a 1099-R, report the death of a retiree, manage your retirement, and more!
River of Life Church
4007 Montana 200 – East Missoula
River of Life was planted in East Missoula in April 2008 by Jason & Shannon Tonn, and (per VSN Leadership in ), “able to deliver furniture items to families who have recently came out of homelessness.”
Questions: (844) 447-6568 or (406) 214-3803, office@rolmt.com
Rural Dynamics, Inc. (RDI) ~ “ENRICH” Financial Wellness
https://ruraldynamics.enrich.org/
Unlimited access to personalized financial education and support. Ask us if you qualify to receive financial services for FREE! A certified financial coach is available to help you create a personalized plan to manage your finances, credit, paycheck planning, student loans, debt, and/or answer questions.
Popular Tools: https://ruraldynamics.enrich.org/topics
Questions: (406) 454-5708, finlit@ruraldynamics.org
Salvation Army
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/
355 S. Russell St., Missoula, 9am – 3pm
Social Services: Showers, laundry, food boxes, rental assistance, utility assistance, gas / bus vouchers, hygiene kits, school backpacks / clothes, Christmas toys / food, computer use (9-12, M-TH for JOBS and HOUSING only).
Church Services: Sunday School (9:30am), Sunday Worship (10:45am), Men’s Fellowship (Sun at 5:30pm)
Family Night Programs – Wednesdays 5:30pm (Kids’ Character Building Programs, Adult Bible Study)
Questions: Salvation Army (406) 549-0710
OR: Ryan Boyd – Captain, Corps Officer (406) 215-1781, Ryan.Boyd@usw.salvationarmy.org
Semper Fi Fund
https://semperfifund.org/get-assistance/
In the hour of need, our heroes deserve the very best care and support. We are committed to being there at the time of injury or illness and, if necessary, for a lifetime. Please reach out today.
Questions: 760-725-3680
The Shades of Green on Walt Disney Resort ~ Military Discount
https://www.shadesofgreen.org/
An AFRC in FL “designed to provide R&R for our nation's brave service members and their families.”
Questions: (407) 824-3400, feed.back@shadesofgreen.org
Social Security
One time Social Security Survivor Benefit:
https://www.thebalance.com/who-is-eligible-for-a-social-security-death-benefit-2388916
Questions: Missoula Aging Services (406) 728-7682
TANF Emergency Assistance
https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/TANF
If you know of someone in your community that is experiencing an emergency due to the flooding, please encourage them to apply. EA can be used for temporary lodging, personal care items (diapers, formula, etc.), food, and clothing or other items/services that will help a family overcome the emergency and does not have income limits. Families do not have to be eligible for, or in receipt of TANF Cash to be eligible for EA. EA can be provided to families with children under the age of 21 years who are residing with the caretaker relative, and pregnant women in their 3rd trimester. Questions: TANF@mt.gov
Tax Resources
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-resources-for-military-members-veterans-and-their-families
AARP: https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/maximize-tax-benefits.html
IRS Free File: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
Military OneSource ~ Free Tax Prep and Filing Software (MilTax preparation and e-filing software is designed to address situations specific to the military): https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services/ Questions: Tabitha, MT JCF & Military OneSource (406) 459-2746, Tabitha.GarvinBetancourt@MilitaryOneSource.com
Montana Dept of Revenue: https://mtrevenue.gov/
My Free Taxes sponsored by United Way: https://www.myfreetaxes.com
United Way of Missoula County
https://www.missoulaunitedway.org/
412 W. Alder St., Missoula
Education, health, income, and “Reaching Home”
Questions: (406) 549-6104, info@missoulaunitedway.org
Or, Theresa Williams, LCSW, Reaching Home Coordinator, United Way of Missoula County, (406) 552-6398, theresa@missoulaunitedway.org
NW Montana: 1203 US Highway 2 W Ste 31, Kalispell, (406) 752-8181, info@unitedwaycares.org
Roxanna Parker, Executive Director, United Way of Kalispell, (406) 752-7266
USA Cares
USA Cares provides financial and advocacy assistance to post-9/11 active duty US military service personnel, veterans and their families.
Questions: 1-800-773-0387, info@usacares.org
USAA
Insurance, Banking, Investments, Advice https://www.usaa.com/
U.S Small Business Administration ~ Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program
As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov
Contact: Brent E. Donnelly, District Director – Montana, U.S. Small Business Administration, Desk: 406-441-1083, Mobile: 406-439-7613, . Brent.Donnelly@sba.gov
VA Nutrition & Food Services
Develops and provides comprehensive evidenced based nutritional services for our Veterans and their families across VHA’s health care facilities. NFS delivers safe and high quality patient food services.
More info / VA BLOG: https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/76951/working-together-ensure-veteran-food-security/
Veterans, Inc.
Financial assistance for certifications, work clothing, tools etc.
Questions: Jennifer Thomas, Universal Services Advocate-Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP), Veterans Inc., (406) 591-7519, Cell (406) 591-7519, jenniferthomas@veteransinc.org
OR Missoula: Alec Natz - Universal Service Advocate, Call of Duty Endowment (CODE) Grant, alecnatz@veteransinc.org
Veteran Stand Downs – Nationwide
www.va.gov/homeless/events.asp
Veterans Support Foundation
Provides funding in the form of grants supporting veteran related projects (funding solely for scientific, charitable, and educational purposes).
Questions: 800-882-1316 ext 126, info@vsf-usa.org