The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that more than $3.2 million in federal funding has been allocated to develop and preserve affordable housing in four Montana communities. The funds, distributed through the department’s Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program, will support projects in Billings, Bozeman, Dillon, and Laurel, helping to provide nearly 250 affordable homes for lower-income households.
“The health and well-being of our families, communities, businesses, and economy rely on access to affordable, attainable housing,” said Paul Green, director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “Financing through these programs will directly support the construction and rehabilitation of much-needed housing in our communities.”
The HOME and HTF programs are federal block grants managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), designed to create and sustain affordable housing for low-income households.
Under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the following projects will receive funding:
- HomeFront will receive $982,000 for the rehabilitation of Laurel Gardens in Laurel.
- Skyview Residences LLLP will receive $350,000 for the new construction of Skyview Residences in Billings.
Through the Housing Trust Fund program, the following projects will benefit:
- The Housing Company will receive $416,100 to support the new construction of Homestead Apartments in Dillon.
- United Housing Partners LLC will receive $1,517,100 to develop Hidden Creek Apartments in Bozeman.
The announcement follows previous successful housing initiatives, including the 2022 allocation of $1.27 million in HOME funding to Florence Crittenton Family Services for the renovation of its new campus in Helena. The funding provided critical support for the organization’s Recovery Home Program, which offers substance use treatment and parenting support for mothers and their children.
“Florence Crittenton was thrilled to receive a HOME grant to assist in the renovation of our new campus,” said Carrie Krepps, Executive Director of Florence Crittenton Family Services. “The funds allowed us to create a warm, inviting, and stable home for families in need, ensuring that mothers can receive appropriate care while their children remain with them in a safe environment.”
Krepps emphasized the organization’s longstanding partnership with the HOME program, which began nearly three decades ago with funding to build their previous facility.
The Montana Department of Commerce continues to work with local partners and HUD to expand access to affordable housing across the state. These recent investments highlight ongoing efforts to address housing challenges and support the well-being of Montana families.