by Ann Quirk, Dawn McGee, Mary, Martha Newell, Mary Stranahan & Bob Boyce, Missoula
Last week, Missoula experienced a hurricane-force windstorm that wreaked havoc across our beloved town. Trees were uprooted, power lines were downed, and countless homes and other property suffered damage. Yet amidst the chaos and destruction, something remarkable, but not surprising, happened in our community: the commitment of Montanans to be good neighbors.
In the immediate aftermath of the storm, people sprang into action, embodying the true essence of what makes Missoula, and indeed communities across Montana, so special. We witnessed people helping each other clear fallen trees and debris from driveways and streets, ensuring that emergency vehicles could get through. Friends and neighbors opened their homes to those without power, offering cooler places to stay, access to water and showers, power to charge devices, fridge and freezer space, and much more. Disaster relief centers opened, free ice and water were made available in locations across town, vegetation drop off locations were established for community members to start the cleanup process. People loaned out the use of their dump trailers, generators, machines, and other equipment. Others donated food and money to those in need.
One story that stands out is that of Jonah and Shannon Vaughan who jumped into action the night of the storm and the days following. Both former wildland firefighters, put their disaster response and chainsaw skills to work, clearing roadways for emergency response teams, removing major limbs from friends, family members, neighbors, and strangers’ houses and fences. They even put their firefighting skills to work preventing a neighbors’ house from burning down when their camper fridge caught fire next to their house Friday evening. This duo volunteered their services all while being one of the last parts of town to get power back and dealing with their own property damage. They too relied on the generosity of others who loaned them the use of a dump trailer and generator.
They are one of probably thousands of examples of people stepping up to support people in our community. These selfless acts of kindness are not just responses to a crisis; they are a testament to the strength and resilience of our community. In times of need, the people of Missoula come together, reinforcing the bonds that make our town more than just a place to live but a true home.
The importance of community and being good neighbors cannot be overstated. It is this collective spirit that enables us to face challenges head-on, knowing we are not alone. As we rebuild and recover from the storm, let us celebrate the ways we supported each other, and continue to nurture the connections that define us. This is what makes Missoula and countless other communities across Montana so special. Let’s continue to act with kindness to each other – at home, on the road, on the trails. Regardless of whether you’re new to Montana or you’ve been here your whole life, our ability to come together and support one another is what makes our communities so special.