Chattering teeth, splashing water and shouts of encouragement filled the air on a chilly afternoon in Bozeman this January, as WealthVest employees took turns plunging into the frigid waters of the Bozeman Pond to raise funds for HRDC Blueprint Continuum, a transitional housing program for youth experiencing homelessness in Bozeman.

Through an open-water area cut from the ice, 28 participants entered the Pond as part of a company-wide challenge to garner a $100 donation for Blueprint. In total, WealthVest’s employees earned and donated $3,000 to support Blueprint’s efforts to provide a safe and supportive place for youth experiencing either homelessness or housing instability in the Gallatin Valley.

“Our team jumped into the icy water to experience full-on Montana cold, but only for a few seconds,” said Wade Dokken, . “Bozeman has over 100 students who are at risk of spending winter nights without beds—every night.  Some find beds in homes or shelters, but others resort to their cars. This is a tragedy in our community, and we were thrilled to provide a fun experience for our employees — while helping innocent homeless young people.”

In the 2020-2021 school year, more than 121 students experienced some level of housing insecurity in the Bozeman School District, according to a recent report from the Montana Office of Public Instruction and McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Program. This could include residing in a shelter, motel/hotel, campground, or car, as well as other inadequate residences.

Last year, HRDC Blueprint Continuum was able to serve 56 youth experiencing homelessness in the Gallatin Valley. Of those, 14 utilized Blueprint’s transitional housing services, which provide safe, inclusive, and stable housing to young adults 16-24.

“The impact transitional housing has on our in-school youth is tremendous and our Blueprint team wraps around them to make sure all aspects of their journey are attended to,” said Jeremy Alcoke, HRDC Blueprint Continuum Manager.

WealthVest’s icy plunge is part of a larger, grass-roots community effort by multiple businesses and groups in the Bozeman area to organize support and assistance for at-risk and youth experiencing homelessness. Donations to the program can be made in the form of monetary gifts to HRDC Blueprint Continuum at https://thehrdc.org/emerging-adults/young-adult-housing/.