The Montana Department of Commerce announced today the allocation of over $10 million in grant funding to support communities and affordable housing organizations aimed at reducing homelessness and enhancing housing stability. The funds are provided through the HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Program.
Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, emphasized the importance of this funding for the state’s residents. “In Montana, we believe in supporting our neighbors in need, ensuring that everyone has a safe and secure place to call home,” Green said. “This grant funding will aid in constructing and rehabilitating nearly 100 affordable homes for those experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or fleeing domestic violence.”
The HOME-ARP funds represent a one-time federal block grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Montana Department of Commerce distributed these funds to eligible applicants proposing projects to benefit vulnerable populations. In December 2023, four projects received funding, and two additional projects were funded this month with the remaining HOME-ARP resources.
The recipients of the HOME-ARP funding include:
– **Butte-Silver Bow**: $1,485,000 for the construction of permanent supportive homes in Butte to assist those facing chronic homelessness.
– **Crow Tribe**: $2,350,000 for the rehabilitation of the Western Motel in Hardin.
– **District XI Human Resource Council, Inc.**: $1,917,528 for the construction of the Skalkaho Place Apartments in Hamilton.
– **Family Promise of Gallatin Valley, Inc.**: $835,000 for the rehabilitation of the Journey Home campus in Bozeman.
– **Human Resource Development Council of District IX**: $2,256,973 for the acquisition and rehabilitation of the Wheat Suites in Bozeman.
– **Samaritan House, Inc.**: $1,500,000 for the construction of the Samaritan House Family Living Apartments in Kalispell.
Ruth Burke, Executive Director of the District XI Human Resource Council, highlighted the impact of the funding. “Housing symbolizes hope, dignity, and a foundation for dreams and future success,” Burke said. “Skalkaho Place is one of three local projects recently supported by various funding streams from Commerce’s Montana Housing Division, a longstanding partner in affordable housing efforts.”
These grants aim to significantly improve housing conditions and support for Montanans in need, reflecting the state’s commitment to addressing housing challenges and promoting stability.
By: DNU staff