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Montana offers a variety of supportive housing options for those who require assistance due to financial constraints, disabilities, or age-related concerns. Below are options that span from state-funded programs to federal subsidies and non-profit assistance.
Public Housing, managed by Montana's housing authorities, provides rental homes or apartments to eligible families, elderly residents, and disabled individuals. The federal government typically subsidizes these households, with residents paying about 30% of their monthly income for rent.
The Section 8 program, a federal assistance scheme, aims to aid extremely low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled so that they can afford housing in the private market. Within this program, Housing Choice Vouchers are provided to eligible individuals or families. The vouchers will then pay a subsidy to the landlord directly while the renting individual pays the gap between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.
Financial challenges can manifest in multiple ways, including the inability to afford basic utilities. The LIHEAP is a federally funded energy bill assistance program. Low-income individuals and families can receive help with their heating and cooling energy costs, energy crisis assistance, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs under this program.
Multifamily Affordable Housing serves low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled by providing property owners with incentives to rent their property to these populations at lower rates. The incentives typically come in the form of tax cuts or subsidies. This program creates opportunities for housing affordability within the private sector.
For those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, Montana offers several programs designed to assist. The Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG) aids individuals and families quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness. Also, the Continuum of Care Program aims to promote community-wide commitment to end homelessness by providing funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, state, and local governments to rehouse homeless individuals and families.
The Section 811 program allows persons with disabilities, who are 18 years of age or older, to live as independently as possible in the community by subsidizing rental housing opportunities which provide access to appropriate supportive services. It provides funding to housing owners who in turn, offer affordable rents for persons with disabilities.
Many non-profit organizations provide additional supportive housing options in Montana. These entities often offer subsidized rents, shelters, and transitional housing projects that can provide immediate and long-term assistance. Often, such organizations cater to specific populations such as veterans or victims of domestic violence.
Supportive housing options in Montana cater to a wide array of needs, whether that be financial, age-related, or disability-related. Whether offered directly by the state or facilitated through federal and non-profit agencies, these programs collectively strive to ensure every Montanan has access to safe and secure housing.