"Exploring Homelessness, Land Regulations, and Solutions in Montana" (A Part of :Mandate Future Politicians to Prioritize Homelessness campaign-the Montana Version) Add a review

Annotation

Moseley, Eric "Protein". "Exploring Homelessness, Land Regulations, and Solutions in Montana." The Missoulian, 6 June 2024, 

Summary:

In this opinion column,  Eric "Protein" Moseley addresses the intersecting crises of homelessness and housing affordability in Montana. Moseley argues that rigid land regulations and zoning laws are significant barriers to creating sustainable housing solutions. He advocates for a more flexible approach to land use that would allow for innovative housing models, such as tiny home villages or transitional communities, specifically designed to meet the needs of the unhoused population in Missoula and the broader state. 

Evaluation:

Eric "Protein" Moseley is a documentary filmmaker and prominent homelessness advocate who often uses his platform to highlight the "human side" of the unhoused experience. Writing for The Missoulian, a major local newspaper in Missoula, Montana, his tone is persuasive and urgent. While the piece is a subjective opinion column, it is grounded in Moseley's firsthand experiences working within these communities.

 The article reflects a "Housing First" sentiment often echoed by local activist groups who argue that housing is a fundamental human right.

Reflection:

This article is a valuable source for understanding the local political climate regarding urban planning and social services in Montana. It provides a specific perspective on how state and local regulations—often intended for environmental or aesthetic purposes—can inadvertently exacerbate the homelessness crisis by limiting the supply of low-cost housing. For researchers or residents, it serves as a call to action to rethink traditional property standards in favor of humanitarian relief. 

Eric Protein Moseley’s column proposes overcoming land use "red tape" by utilizing tiny home communities, authorizing managed camp sites with sanitation, and implementing emergency zoning to expedite shelter. He further advocates for community-led governance where unhoused residents are directly involved in managing their own safety and operations.
This opinion was a part of the Mandate Future Politicians to Prioritize Homelessness campaign that led to Listen to the Voices of the Homeless/ Homeless Voices Mater Campaign that began in London and went globally. 

https://missoulian.com/opinion/column/eric-protein-moseley-exploring-homelessness-land-regulations-and-solutions-in-montana/article_2aafea0c-1f6a-11ef-95ae-fba0f7ae02ad.html

https://muckrack.com/eric-moseley

Last modified: 2026-04-07 (revision #281828)