Many households across Montana struggle to find affordable, safe and stable housing. In Carbon County there is a short supply of affordable homes, making it difficult for families to find housing within their budget. According to the Montana Board of Housing and HUD Federal Guidelines, , housing costs should not exceed 30% of a family’s annual income (a family may be a single member or multiple members of a household). Spending more than 30% puts families in a position where they are making tough budgeting choices. An increasing gap between wages and housing costs puts home ownership out of the reach of many Montanans. Habitat for Humanity offers housing solutions for families with low income to build equity and stability through ownership.
The Helena Area Habitat for Humanity is partnering with the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation to build four homes in Red Lodge. The homes will be built on a land trust lot are located in the Spires development on the west bench with beautiful mountain views!
The four homes planned for the Spires location are based on Habitat’s mutual self-help program. Approved applicants will work under the guidance of Habitat construction staff, building their own homes with the help of their relatives, friends, and other Mutual Self-Help families. Habitat staff assists families through the entire process. Families do not need to have any prior construction experience or carpentry skills; Habitat’s construction staff helps through the entire process. Not only do participants have a beautiful new home at the end of the project, but they also have a new skillset to help them maintain their home. All families must contribute 65% of labor for their home. This averages out to around 30 hours per week of their own effort and/or from their friends, family and other volunteers. Work is typically conducted on Saturdays and a weekday evening with construction taking around 11 months to complete.
If you would like to learn more about Red Lodge’s Habitat for Humanity projects, please contact Theresa Whistler at 406-446-2820 or Theresa@rlacf.org
