Helena, Montana – The Montana Department of Commerce has taken a significant step to address the affordable housing crisis in the state by allocating $9.4 million to improve housing options in six communities. This investment marks a substantial effort to provide homes for those earning below 80% of the median income, particularly lower-wage earners and individuals with special needs.
Funding Allocation and Impact
This substantial funding is earmarked for the construction and rehabilitation of 485 affordable homes across Montana. Projects in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Helena, Missoula, and Kalispell are set to receive these funds, which are distributed through the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and Housing Trust Fund (HTF) programs.
Cheryl Cohen, the Montana Housing Division Administrator with the Department of Commerce, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “It is critical that all Montanans have a safe and affordable place to call home. That’s why Commerce will continue to support programs that help increase the number of affordable, attainable homes across the state,” she said. Her statement reflects a commitment to tackling the issue of homelessness and providing viable housing solutions for those in need.
The specific allocations for each community are as follows:
- Billings: Mitchell Court LLLP will receive $1,650,000 for the construction of Mitchell Court Apartments, offering 32 affordable homes.
- Butte-Silver Bow County: $750,000 is allocated for rehabilitating Aspen Place Apartments, providing 68 affordable homes.
- Hamilton: The City of Hamilton and Sapphire Lutheran Homes will get $750,000 of CDBG funding, $1,500,000 of HTF, and $1,900,000 of HOME funding for rehabilitating The Manor, which includes 60 homes for seniors.
- Helena: United Housing Partners LLC and Accessible Space, Inc. will receive funding for constructing Twin Creeks Apartments and rehabilitating Queen City Estates, totaling 86 homes for families, individuals, and those with disabilities.
- Missoula: Homeword, Inc. is set to receive $1,500,000 for rehabilitating Creekside Apartments, creating 161 homes.
- Kalispell: Samaritan House, Inc. will get $750,000 for developing the Samaritan House Family Living Development, comprising 18 homes for households experiencing homelessness.
Cole Harden, Regional Senior Officer of Sapphire Lutheran Homes, expressed enthusiasm about the impact of this funding. “Through these HTF, HOME, and CDBG awards…the funding will also allow us to provide an updated and energy-efficient housing solution for seniors who currently call The Manor home,” Harden stated. This sentiment captures the broader goal of not only increasing housing availability but also improving living standards.
A Comprehensive Approach to Housing Needs
Montana’s CDBG Housing Grants focus on funding new construction or rehabilitation of homes for Montanans earning less than 80% of the area median income. The HOME Program targets creating affordable homes for lower-income households, while the HTF aims to complement existing efforts to increase the supply of safe and affordable homes for the most vulnerable households in Montana.
These initiatives, financed by federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), represent a comprehensive approach to tackling housing challenges in Montana. By focusing on both new construction and rehabilitation, the state ensures that its housing solutions are diverse and tailored to the needs of its residents. This significant investment in affordable housing highlights the state’s dedication to ensuring that all Montanans have access to safe, affordable, and quality housing, addressing a critical need in today’s economic climate.
