RELEASE: Commerce Supports Development of Nearly 2,500 Affordable Homes

montana department of commerce
Sweetgrass Commons Missoula Montana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019

Commerce Supports Development of Nearly 2,500 Affordable Homes

HELENA, Mont. – Central to its mission of supporting a growing economy, the Montana Department of Commerce serves more than 8,500 Montana families and individuals each year to access affordable homes through rental assistance, homebuyer assistance and affordable rental development.

“As Montana’s economy continues to thrive, our work to support a growing workforce and their families with access to safe, affordable homes continues," said Community Development Division Administrator Jennifer Olson. “That’s why we will continue to work alongside our housing partners to provide quality affordable homes for our neighbors across the state.”

Since 2013, Commerce has supported access to affordable housing in Montana through:

  • The creation or rehabilitation of 2,429 affordable homes
  • Supporting 5,275 jobs totaling nearly $237 million in paid wages
  • 3,483 low-interest home loans
  • More than $219 million in rental assistance payments made to landlords that provide affordable rent.

"Quality affordable housing provides economic stability for Montanans and the vibrant communities in which they live," said Montana Housing Division Administrator Bruce Brensdal.

Commerce supports the development of vibrant and affordable communities through the following federally funded programs: Housing Trust Fund, Community Development Block Grant program, HOME Investment Partnership program and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credits program.

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