Making a Community a Home: Soft Landing Missoula
- High Stakes Foundation
- May 14, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 31, 2025
Soft Landing Missoula: A Haven for New Beginnings
We are so inspired by people who see a need, take action and make change happen. One of the most incredible stories is that of Soft Landing Missoula. Soft Landing Missoula stands as a beacon of hope and support for refugees seeking to rebuild their lives in the United States. - High Stakes Foundation
A Photo Changed Everything
Mary Poole was breastfeeding her nine-month-old son when she saw the tragic photo of Alan Kurdi, a three-year-old Syrian boy with small red sneakers who had drowned while fleeing the civil war in his homeland. She couldn’t get the image or the challenges faced by refugee families out of her mind. She took the question to her book club about what they, as mothers, could be doing to help families fleeing war and forced displacement. At the time (2015) Montana was one of just two states in the nation that did not have a path to welcome refugees and this small group quickly grew into a community-wide effort to welcome refugees to Missoula once again. They contacted the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and local leaders, eventually leading to the IRC opening an office in Missoula in 2016. Soft Landing Missoula was established to support refugees beyond the initial resettlement period, providing housing assistance, language classes, and cultural orientation.
Soft Landing has had a significant impact on the Missoula community, fostering a welcoming environment for refugees and enriching the city's cultural diversity. 10 years later, Soft Landing works with close to 700 refugees and immigrants from over 30 different countries--- all of whom make our city an even more beautiful, friendly, vibrant place to live!
Clientele and Support Services
Refugees and immigrants landing in Missoula deserve to find a safe, welcoming, and supportive home here. Soft Landing’s community-centered approach to providing support on the journey to thriving offers refugees and immigrants a warm and friendly helping hand but also guides deep connection and collaboration with Missoula community members and partner organizations to build social capital and a welcoming Missoula. Soft Landing Missoula serves a diverse clientele, including individuals and families fleeing persecution, conflict, and hardship in their home countries. Upon arrival, refugees are greeted with open arms and offered a range of crucial services. From housing assistance to language classes, job training, and cultural orientation, every aspect of resettlement is meticulously, compassionately, and individually addressed. Dedicated volunteers and staff members work tirelessly to ensure that each refugee receives personalized support tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.
Impact on the Community
The impact of Soft Landing Missoula extends far beyond its immediate beneficiaries. By fostering a sense of unity and compassion, the organization has enriched the cultural tapestry of Missoula. Refugees bring a wealth of experiences, talents, and traditions, contributing to the vibrant diversity that defines the community. Through education, United We Eat food/cooking, youth, and outreach programs, Soft Landing actively promotes cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among residents new and old.
Moreover, the economic contributions of resettled refugees cannot be overstated. Many individuals quickly integrate into the local workforce, filling essential roles and revitalizing industries. Their entrepreneurial spirit has also sparked new businesses and ventures, further stimulating economic growth.
Looking Ahead
As Soft Landing Missoula looks to the future, its commitment to compassion and empowerment remains steadfast. The organization continues to evolve, adapting to meet the changing needs of refugees and the community. With ongoing support from volunteers, donors, and partners, Soft Landing is poised to continue its vital work, offering hope and opportunity to those who need it most.
Soft Landing Missoula exemplifies the power of community and empathy, and the power of turning tragedy into action. By providing a soft landing for refugees, this organization not only transforms lives but also strengthens the bonds that unite us all.
"Due to being a local, community supported non-profit, we are able to offer flexible and responsive programming that is guided by our clients, not constraints of complex grants or funding requirements. High Stakes Foundation was one of our very first funders, helping us learn early on the power of a trusting relationship with our funders and a collaborative approach to providing a helping hand to vulnerable people in our community. The folks at High Stakes have deep connections through their transformative work in Missoula and the region, and are often some of the first people we go to when we have larger questions about some of our programs or trends in our community, even outside of our grantee relationship with them. On a personal level, they have provided kind and inspiring guidance for me as a new nonprofit leader as our organization (and me!) has grown and matured over the last 10 years."- Mary Poole, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Soft Landing
Soft Landing Mission
Soft Landing partners with our community to provide supportive services and welcome for refugees and immigrants in Missoula, working together to create a home where new neighbors can integrate and thrive.
Vision
Refugees and immigrants have opportunity, dignity, and the freedom to build the life they wish to live as members of a welcoming community.
Values
Community: We build meaningful and diverse relationships to foster a healthy community.
Equity: We treat all people with dignity and opportunity while honoring unique needs and experiences.
Creativity: We are courageous and curious, and value partnerships that result in creative and transformative solutions.
Kindness: We are kind, caring, humble, and generous.
Trust: We gain trust by being responsive, reliable, honest, and willing to learn and listen.
Joy: We create space for joy, hope, healing, and resilience.
Learn more about Soft Landing and how you can support or get involved:
