Helena’s Florence Crittenton Receives Economic Development Grant
HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that Florence Crittenton Family Services in Helena was awarded a $525,000 Economic Development grant for the renovation and expansion of the north wing of its Cooney Building. The funding is through Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG). “It is crucial for Montana’s economy to continue to expand and thrive, especially in communities like Helena that are experiencing significant population growth. That is why Commerce provides Montana communities with grants that can support the development of economic expansion,” said Galen Steffens, Administrator of the Community MT Division at the Montana Department of Commerce. “This CDBG grant will help Florence Crittenton complete a $7.5 million dollar renovation to expand its services for the Helena community and serve families across the state.”
Through the grant, Florence Crittenton Family Services will double the number of childcare openings it offers and re-open its youth maternity home with an increased capacity for additional families. This expansion of services will lead to the creation of 11 new jobs and help retain staff.
“We are thrilled to receive a CDBG-Economic Development grant from the Montana Department of Commerce. This is another incredible example of partnership among the State, our Lewis & Clark County commissioners and staff, and our organization to continue to address the challenges we see in our communities,” said Carrie Krepps, Florence Crittenton Executive Director. “This investment will not only have an immediate impact on job creation within our organization, but also help hundreds of Montanans return to work due to the support they will receive from our expanded services.”
CDBG Economic Development Grants have funded projects to create jobs, assist businesses and support non-profits across the state. For example, in 2022, $400,000 was awarded to Broadwater County on behalf of the Jackrabbit Pub to purchase commercial kitchen equipment and create 17 new local jobs.
CDBG Economic Development grants are available to eligible counties, incorporated cities and towns and consolidated city-county governments except Billings, Great Falls and Missoula. The local government must apply on behalf of the business needing the funds.
For more information about Commerce’s CDBG Economic Development program, visit comdev.mt.gov.
Tags: Community MT