MISSOULA, Mont. — The Montana Department of Commerce has announced the allocation of more than $3.2 million in federal funding to support affordable housing projects in Billings, Bozeman, Dillon, and Laurel. This funding, provided through the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program, will help build and rehabilitate nearly 250 affordable homes across these communities.
The funds will be distributed to four key projects aimed at addressing the state’s growing need for affordable housing. The recipients of the funding include both new construction and renovation efforts in some of Montana’s most populous and rapidly growing areas.
HomeFront will receive $982,000 for the rehabilitation of Laurel Gardens in Laurel, a project designed to upgrade existing affordable housing units. Meanwhile, Skyview Residences LLLP will receive $350,000 for the construction of Skyview Residences, a new affordable housing development in Billings.
In Dillon, The Housing Company will receive $416,100 for the construction of the Homestead Apartments, which will offer new affordable housing options in the community. Additionally, United Housing Partners LLC will receive $1,517,100 to develop the Hidden Creek Apartments in Bozeman, providing much-needed housing in one of the state’s most sought-after locations.
These investments come at a critical time as demand for affordable housing continues to outpace supply in many Montana cities. According to Paul Green, director of the Montana Department of Commerce, access to affordable housing is a cornerstone of community health and economic stability. “The health and well-being of our families, communities, businesses, and economy rely on access to affordable, attainable housing,” Green said in a statement.
The funding is part of a broader initiative by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing for lower-income households. Through programs like HTF and HOME, federal block grants are used to support the development and preservation of affordable homes, particularly in underserved areas.
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program and the Housing Trust Fund have long been vital sources of funding for affordable housing initiatives in Montana. In 2022, Florence Crittenton Family Services in Helena received $1.28 million through the HOME Program to renovate its campus, providing a safe, supportive environment for families in its recovery home program.
These ongoing investments reflect the state’s commitment to addressing the affordable housing crisis and improving the quality of life for residents. As Montana continues to grow, the need for accessible housing options will remain a top priority for policymakers and community leaders alike.
