Housing Assistance Programs

*NEW* Montana Emergency Rental Assistance program is now available for Montanans who have lost household income as a direct or indirect result of the COVID-19 pandemic and are at risk of housing instability. Renters can receive a monthly maximum of $2,200 for past due and future rent payments, up to $300 for past due and future utilities including gas and electric, and $50 per month for internet. Households can receive assistance for rent and utility bills dating back to April 1, 2020. Learn more and apply at HOUSING.MT.GOV.

*CLOSED* Montana Department of Commerce, Emergency Housing Assistance Program
The Emergency Housing Assistance program will provide rent, security deposit, mortgage payment, and/ or hazard insurance assistance as-needed for Montanans who have lost a job or substantial income loss as a result of COVID-19. Montana Housing will pay the difference between 25 percent of the household’s reduced net monthly income due to COVID-19 impact, and their eligible housing assistance costs, with a minimum payment of $250 per month and up to $2,000 a month. Household income limits range from $75,000-$125,000 based on family size. Montanans receiving other forms of housing assistance are not eligible. Total funding available is $17 million. Deadline to apply is November 10, 2020.
406.841.2840 | HOUSING.MT.GOV

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Rental Housing Programs
The USDA RD maintains a searchable database of RD-subsidized apartment projects across the state. Many of these units include rental subsidies. This database does not indicate if a project has vacancies but is valuable resource.
Available to: Everyone meeting program requirements
855-576-2674 | https://rdmfhrentals.sc.egov.usda.gov/RDMFHRentals/select_state.jsp?home=NO
Montana Housing Search: http://mthousingsearch.com/

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Affordable Apartment Search
HUD maintains a searchable database of HUD-subsidized apartment projects across the state. Many of these units include rental subsidies. This database does not indicate if a project has vacancies but is valuable resource.
Available to: Everyone meeting program requirements
https://apps.hud.gov/apps/section8/step2.cfm?state=MT%2CMontana
Montana Housing Search: http://mthousingsearch.com/

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
Housing counseling is a service offered to homebuyers, homeowners, renters, and those who are impacted by disasters. For reliable results, it is critical to use a HUD-approved agency that will help to guide you through the resources you may be able to access.
Available to: Everyone
800-569-4287 | https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?&webListAction=search&searchstate=MT 
Other: https://www.nwmt.org/project-type/homebuyer-education-counseling/ 

Montana Department of Commerce, Housing Credit Program
The Montana Housing (Tax) Credit Program finances the development of affordable rental units across the state. These units can be rented to households that meet income qualifications. If a family is displaced by a disaster, it may qualify for one of these units, if available. If a disaster is declared federally, there are often exceptions to certain rules for housing programs. These exceptions will be noted, if available.
Available to: Everyone meeting program requirements
406-841-2840 | https://housing.mt.gov/Multifamily-Development/ 
Montana Housing Search: http://mthousingsearch.com/ 

Montana Department of Commerce, Project-Based Section 8 Programs
The Montana Housing Project-Based Section 8 Programs are rental projects across the state that were developed under HUD program specifications. These units can be rented to households with qualifying income. An added benefit to these properties is that a rental subsidy is attached to each unit. This gives renters security, knowing they only need to pay 30% of their income toward rent. If a family is displaced by a disaster, it may qualify for one of these units, if available. If a disaster is declared federally, there are often exceptions to certain rules for housing programs. These exceptions will be noted, if available.
Available to: Everyone meeting program requirements
406-841-2840 | https://housing.mt.gov/Rental-Housing/Project-Based-Section-8 
Montana Housing Search: http://mthousingsearch.com/