The Montana Department of Commerce announced that six organizations will share more than $8 million in federal funding through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The grants support the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing while bolstering the state’s economy with good-paying jobs.
“Access to affordable housing is vital to the health and well-being of Montana families, communities, businesses and economy,” said Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio. “These programs are supporting construction and rehabilitation projects that expand housing options that might otherwise not be available to Montanans who need them.”
The federal funding programs, administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, are designed to provide affordable homes for low-income households across the state.
Funding Recipients
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CR Builders, LLC: $863,000 from HOME and $1,150,000 from HTF for new construction of the Saddlehorn Apartments in Miles City.
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Crow Tribe: $1,500,000 from HOME to rehabilitate the Western Motel in Hardin for permanent supportive housing.
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Fergus County: $1,815,204 from CDBG for the Heart of Montana Farm in the Dell’s project in Lewistown, constructing a group home for adults with intellectual disabilities.
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Homeword, Inc.: $1,671,000 from HTF to rehabilitate Fraser and Sage Towers in Billings.
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Town of Twin Bridges: $400,000 from CDBG to support the Four Rivers fourplex project.
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Mineral County: Up to $750,000 from CDBG for the District XI Human Resource Council’s Housing Stabilization Program, rehabilitating single-family homes.
Andrew Chanania, principal at Slate Capital Partners in Billings, highlighted the importance of federal support. “These funds are critical gap financing that enables us to help preserve existing and create new, affordable housing opportunities that Montanans can afford. Without these programs, many projects would be unable to move forward,” he said.
Several ongoing projects already demonstrate the impact of the funding. GL Development is completing Mitchell Court, a 32-unit affordable housing complex for families in Billings, funded by HOME, Low Income Tax Credits, city Tax Increment Financing, and loans from the Montana Healthcare Foundation and Commerce’s Coal Trust Multifamily Homes Loan Program. Two of the complex’s five buildings will be ready for occupancy by the end of November, with the remaining three expected in January 2026.
Slate Capital Partners is also rehabilitating The Manor, a 60-unit senior living complex in Hamilton, using HOME, HTF, and CDBG funding alongside 4% Tax Credits and equity from Glacier Bank, as well as Brownfields Program funds. The project restores the late-1970s-era complex into safe, affordable housing for seniors, including tenants receiving HUD project-based rental assistance.
The Montana Department of Commerce says the new funding will continue to expand housing access across the state while supporting economic growth through construction and rehabilitation projects.
By DNU Staff
