Pathways Newsletter

Flashback to July 24th when 80 mph winds ripped through Missoula. Trees topple, power lines fall, debris is scattered everywhere, and homes, fences, vehicles, and yards are damaged. It’s a devastating storm and many residents lose power for days.

After a storm like this, the clean-up can be monumental. Luckily, our MCC Missoula office jumped into action. Knowing that there were residents in need, Regional Director Steve Hodgdon contacted the local nonprofit Missoula Aging Services and gave them MCC’s contact information. Within days, MCC crews and staff were wielding chainsaws across Missoula to clear downed trees and remove debris for citizens in need.

“We needed work done from the devastating damage after the storm. The person who I am representing is older, a disabled veteran, unable to do the work himself, and has a restricted income. MCC was able to help with the devastating landscape damage. They de-limbed the trees and carried the debris away,” recounted community member Susan Batiuchok.

Missoula citizen Mary Lawrence also received aid from MCC. “A tree fell over on a fence between us and a neighbor and it landed partially on a neighbor's RV. We wanted to be sure we weren't causing extra damage trying to remove it. So we got someone who knew how to do it. [The MCC crew] did an excellent job! We’re grateful. They also helped that neighbor with another tree he had down in that yard. They were busy!” she said.

In total, over 20 members and staff logged 240+ work hours to restore access to homes and yards, clear branches, buck trees so they could be moved, remove hazardous trees, and haul away debris to city dump sites. Neighbors were grateful for the extra clean-up help. Susan raved, “We are extremely grateful. We could not speak more highly of the crew members. They were skilled, polite, helpful, kind, and showed up ready to work! We are grateful for the kindness they showed, and that they care.”

This work underscores one of the major priorities of MCC’s new Strategic Plan: Community Investment. It’s our goal over the next four years to invest in the communities where we have our regional offices (Bozeman, Missoula, Helena, and Kalispell) with local projects. Cleaning up after this storm is just one way we are giving back, and Missoulians are grateful for the help. “MCC was on the spot, right there in an emergency, and jumped right in to help. They were skilled, polite, hardworking, and kind and they came right away. These wonderful youth are volunteering to do incredibly hard work. To help people in need, who don’t have the money to get this done otherwise. That should be supported!” Susan said. Mary agreed, commending how our corps members also learn valuable career skills, “MCC is helping young people, they are teaching them what they need to know. Giving them jobs. It’s a win-win!” she said.