Missoula, Mont. — The Montana Department of Commerce has announced that it will no longer accept applications for its Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Home Repairs Program, citing an overwhelming number of applications and insufficient remaining funding to support new requests.
Initially established to provide financial aid for home repairs to low-income households, the program received nearly twice as many applications in its first year than anticipated, leading to the decision to halt further submissions. The HAF Home Repairs Program was launched to help homeowners address critical repairs, such as roof replacements, electrical upgrades, and improvements to water and wastewater systems.
Melissa Herrera, the ARPA Housing Program Executive, explained the high demand: “The Montana HAF Home Repairs Program received almost twice the applications within the first year of the program than we had projected we would receive through the entire period of performance for these one-time federal funds,” Herrera stated. “It has been a valuable program for many low-income households in Montana.”
The application pause began on October 25, 2024, and while no new applications will be accepted, those submitted before the cutoff date will continue to be reviewed and processed. Eligible applicants will still receive assistance for home repairs until the remaining funds are depleted.
Despite the closure of the Home Repairs Program, other related HAF programs remain available. These include financial aid for mortgage reinstatement, lien prevention to avoid foreclosure, and utility and broadband assistance. These programs are set to remain open through September 30, 2026, or until their allocated funds are exhausted.
The HAF program was established through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and funded by Congress. In Montana, the program was appropriated through HB 632 during the 2021 legislative session. Its purpose is to help homeowners facing financial hardship and prevent displacement by offering essential support for maintaining housing stability.
The Department of Commerce urged those in need of home repair assistance to explore other available resources, as the closure of the HAF Home Repairs Program means no additional funding will be provided to new applicants. The department continues to process and approve applications already submitted, with repairs continuing until funds are fully expended.
For more information on remaining HAF programs, residents can visit the Montana Department of Commerce’s website or contact the department directly.
