Homeword

Are you caring for parents who want to age in place? Are you worried about the cost of their home? We provide free, ongoing counseling support to help you understand and apply for Housing Assistance Fund resources. Visit https://lnkd.in/gWyGvF54 to get started with one of our counselors.

Homeword, in collaboration with Homefront, is bringing much-needed affordable housing to Billings with its latest development, LB Lofts. This innovative multi-family rental community will provide 101 safe, healthy and affordable homes for local residents. Utilizing a hybrid modular construction approach—combining modular components with traditional stick-built framing—LB Lofts is designed to deliver high-quality housing efficiently and sustainably. A key feature of the project is its use of PODS (Premanufactured Overhauled Dwelling Solutions), an acronym created by the design team working on the development project. The PODS are modular units originally built as temporary housing for workers in the Bakken oil fields but have since become surplus inventory. Instead of being discarded, these one-bedroom, one-bathroom units have been transported to Billings, where they will be repurposed as building blocks for modern, permanent homes. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gG6abSut

If you’ve already taken the big step of attending one of our homebuyer or financial skill building classes, let’s build on that progress! As a past participant, you have access to free one-on-one counseling sessions to help you navigate your next financial or housing milestone. Whether you’re working on a budget, tackling credit goals or planning to buy a home, our counselors are here to provide personalized guidance tailored to your needs. Don’t let questions or challenges hold you back. Book your session today and keep moving toward your goals!

If you support our mission to strengthen Montana communities through education and homes people can afford, we're seeking someone like you to serve on our statewide volunteer board of directors. Why should you apply? Being a part of our board can also help you elevate your career, grow your network and sharpen your leadership skills. Board member and University of Montana Director of Institutional Compliance and ADA Coordinator Jessica Weltman says, "Homeword staff are creative, organized and communicative. They are professional, inclusive, mission-driven and seek Board involvement in meaningful ways. Being a Board member in that environment is a pleasure. I am constantly learning, and it's really amazing to help support the work of Homeword." Visit https://lnkd.in/gcf34zQb to learn more. Apply by March 26. We encourage people representing diverse communities to apply.

Operations and Program Director Julie and the rest of us are stoked about our HomeOwnership Center's new educators, Alex and Chelsea! Whether you're looking to buy your first home, improve your financial well-being or navigate the complexities of homeownership, our team is here for you! But that’s not all—our office just got a little more energetic (and a lot more adorable)! Meet Maggie, our newest office dog! This playful and lovable West Highland Terrier has quickly become the heart of the office, bringing smiles to our staff and visitors alike. ?? Come say hello to Maggie and meet our team! Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gvYddMUM.

The first official day of spring is here! While snow is still hanging around this week, we are already embracing the change of the season and the feelings of hope and renewal it brings! Our latest photos of construction at Baatz Block Apartments in Great Falls feature stunning bluebird skies—a bright reminder that warmer days are just around the corner and construction on these 25 permanent supportive homes in partnership with NeighborWorks Great Falls will be drawing to an end in the coming months.

The most rewarding thing about helping people access the Homeowner Assistance Fund is knowing we are helping people stay in their homes even in tough times. Navigating the online portal and paperwork can be a little confusing, and our HUD Certified Housing Counselors are here to support our community members by walking you through the process step by step. We are so excited to connect homeowners with free financial counseling and a matched savings program that will help get you a dollar-for-dollar match on the money you save up to $500. Call or email us to find out if your income qualifies you! Visit https://lnkd.in/gWyGvF54 for more info on how to reach us and get started today.

Taina Curry devoted herself to raising three daughters as a single mother, doing whatever it took to provide for her family. It was a constant financial struggle. But even as her children reached adulthood, stability remained out of reach. In 2009, Taina followed her youngest daughter to Missoula. They rented a place together for a short period of time and attended the University of Montana, where Taina earned her degree in education. “I rented with my best friend for three years after that,” she said, “but then I had to go down to Texas to take care of my elderly parents. After her parents passed away, Taina decided to return to Missoula. Her youngest daughter had settled on a small farm in Florence, her other two grown-up daughters were living in the San Francisco area and her former roommate had fallen ill and moved in with her sister in Spokane. With no close friends or family left in town to share housing costs, Taina was on her own. Read more: https://ow.ly/KK4m50VgTOr.

We’re feeling extra lucky this St. Patrick’s Day! ?? We know that creating safe, sustainable and affordable housing takes dedication, heart and teamwork. That's why we feel so fortunate for our incredible staff—the passionate people who make our mission possible every day. To celebrate, we put their luck (and detective skills) to the test with a fun St. Paddy’s Day treasure hunt! Hidden around the office were gleaming gold chocolate coins, waiting to be discovered. Wishing you all a St. Patrick’s Day filled with luck, laughter and maybe even a little treasure of your own!