NEW YOUTH SHELTER OPENS IN MISSOULA
Youth Homes, a nonprofit dedicated to housing and supporting youth in need, opened a new therapeutic shelter designed to serve vulnerable Missoula children on Sept. 9.
The Birnbaum Youth Home is now open to children in crisis between the ages of 10 and 17, according to KPAX.
“They can continue their education, maintain the support that they have within this community, they can access mental and physical health services and they can start to regain a sense of normalcy and belonging,” said Amy Schaer, the CEO of Youth Homes.
The shelter took $4 million to build over two years of fundraising and construction and has eight bedrooms. It’s designed to provide emergency shelter, as well as therapeutic services, educational support and health resources.
“In just two years, we were able to mobilize, to fundraise, to plan and execute and build this beautiful home,” Schaer said. “I think it speaks volumes to the community that we live in, that people are willing to donate and willing to invest in youth.”
The facility is named for Geoff Birnbaum, who served as the executive director of Youth Homes for 42 years before his death in 2025. Mona Birnbaum, his daughter, spoke about his legacy at the opening ceremony.
“His drive, his commitment and his legacy are so deserving of this honor,” she said. “Our family is deeply grateful and incredibly humbled by all the friends and colleagues here today.”
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