Spare Change for Real Change is an education and grant program created by Downtown Billings to bridge the gap between the city’s concerted efforts to impact homelessness, and alleviate poverty and addiction, and the public’s participation in those efforts. The Spare Change for Real Change program grants funds to local providers who are effectively working to alleviate homelessness through education, housing, social services, treatment/rehabilitation, and re-integration.
Spare Change for Real Change funds are raised through various the fundraising efforts; The annual Downtown Purple 5K event (run/walk), donations made through our website, the downtown Billings coloring book proceeds, and other gifts. The raised funds are granted out to service providers who prove to be making effective impacts in our community.
Our Goals
- Encourage the public to reconsider their method of giving by reminding them, through educational campaigns, that pocket change given in the streets is too often used to feed an addiction. Offering various other ways to make that same pocket change make a real and effective difference for the local at risk population.
- Empower the Business Improvement District to consider the welfare of the local businesses, and empower business to positively impact the social issues we face as a community.
Organizations and Initiatives We’ve Funded
- Community Innovations
- VOA’s home for Homeless Veterans
- St. Vincent DePaul Charity Office
- Montana Rescue Mission
- HRDC
- The Center for Children and Families
- The Hub
- Tumbleweed
- Motivated Addiction Alternative Program (MAAP)
- Billings Community Connect
- Housing Authority
- Friendship House
- Rimrock
- Community Crisis Center
- South Park Senior Citizens Center
- Canvas Project – Illuminating Homelessness
For information on how to get involved in Spare Change for Real Change efforts email Kody Christensen, Downtown’s Resource Outreach Coordinator, kody@downtownbillings.com
Show Your Support, Help Spare Change for Real Change Today
Every little bit helps, scan the QR code to donate today or set up recurring monthly payments to help us bridge the gap between the city’s concerted efforts to impact homelessness, and alleviate poverty and addiction, and the public’s participation in those efforts.