Homelessness, lack of affordable housing and food insecurity top the list of priorities that will be targeted with donations raised during this season of giving

Bozeman– Now in its 7th year, HRDC’s annual UnGala, a critical fundraising event, is underway once again.

Kristin Hamburg, HRDC’s Resource Development Director, conceived of the UnGala to engage donors in a more pragmatic way. “In lieu of purchasing a costly ticket and attending an annual formal affair as has been the more traditional fundraising strategy for non-profits, UnGala participants can give on their own time from the comfort of their home,” said Hamburg. “Our supporters have told us time and again how appreciative they are of our efforts to ensure any money received during this fundraising effort goes directly to programming needs and not to covering the cost of a big event.”

The event occurs each December and the need this year is especially significant given the number of community members who are struggling to make ends meet. HRDC relies on the generosity of the community to address a number of real, practical issues including the inability to keep food on the table in a consistent manner, and in many cases, a roof over heads.

Throughout 2023, HRDC experienced consistent, high demand to provide support to those experiencing homelessness and to those in need of help finding affordable housing while also distributing 1,667,276 pounds of food. The lives of over 12,000 people having been positively impacted by HRDC’s various services in the past year alone.

This year’s UnGala fund-raising goal is $300,000. With fundraising flat across the nation, many who give are finding that due to the rise in cost of living, they are unable to give as much as they have in the past. Because of this, Hamburg spoke to the critical impact each donor makes, “Be it $10, $100, or $1,000, every single donation counts.”

Donations can be made online by visiting https://thehrdc.org/donate/.

For those who prefer to give by check, HRDC’s address is 32 S. Tracy Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715.