Montana Rent Assistance Programs. Rental assistance programs help stop the threat of eviction while supporting the stability of the family. The government, local community outreach, and charities help those struggling financially because of loss of employment, an unexpected illness, or tragedy.
Organizations like the Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities If you are having financial difficulties, do not wait until the last minute to get help. Don’t let embarrassment stop you from getting the help you need. Contact your landlord to let them know what is going on. This can buy you a little time as most rental agents will work with you. Next, contact any of the organizations below to find help.
Montana Government Rent Assistance Programs
Housing First- Emergency Rental Assistance
The HRDC’s Home to Stay program helps individuals and families who are homeless or in danger of being homeless. They work with those who have lost jobs or have had a drop such as hours cut or a change of income when changing jobs. However, participants have to prove there will be able to maintain only rent payments in the future.
Montana Section 8
Montana Rent Assistance includes Section 8, a nationwide program to help disabled, low-income elderly, and adults by subsidizing rent payments. Everything depends on your gross household income, which should meet Federal Poverty Guidelines. Section 8 does not pay the entire rent but requires participants to pay up to 30% of their housing income. The Montana Department of Commerce makes up the balance due. If you have to move to another dwelling, your status remains the same as long as your income has not changed; the rental agent or landlord accepts Section 8 vouchers. (more)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) – Rent Assistance
HUD provides support to low-income residents to purchase homes, and also provides eviction prevention and foreclosure. They also provide security deposits on new housing. Over a million families use HUD each year. They are a great resource for the poor, disabled, and elderly to find private and public housing. Other things they help with.
- Security Deposits
- Utility Deposits
- Buying a Home
- Homelessness Assistance
- Down Payment Assistance
- Rent Assistance and Section 8 Programs
Homeless Veteran (HUD-Vash) Montana Rent Assistance
The Montana Department of Commerce’s Rental Assistance Bureau provides rental support to Montana veterans, excluding Billings. Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program works with HUD to provide housing and other needed services, which the Department of Veterans Affairs provides. (HUD-Vash Vouchers)
Shelter Plus
This organization provides housing support to disabled people who are homeless. They especially help those with substance abuse problems and living with disabilities or mental illness, or other long-termed or debilitating problems. Clients receive cash grants that are matched with equal amounts of funding.
Four Parts of the Program
- Tenant-based Rental Assistance (TRA) assists the homeless who have found their own housing. The grant is in effect for 5 years.
- Sponsor-based Rental Assistance (SRA) finds sponsor non-profit, mental health, and a community willing to lease to individuals in the program. Grants last for 5 years;
- Project-based Rental Assistance (PRA) pays the owner of a building who will be willing to lease to the homeless. The grants last for 5 years; property owners can receive grants for 10 years, and
- Section 8 for Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Dwellings provides grants for rental assistance. Assistance is provided for 10 years.
Montana Charities & Community Rent Assistance Programs
If you are looking for help with your rent, these organizations also may be able to help with emergency cash assistance, homeless prevention, help with utilities, free baby stuff, household goods, furniture, clothing, medical, vision, prescriptions, groceries, etc. Check with each organization for the availability of services.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides help with rent and utilities. These benefits are based on the availability of funding. They can also provide you with a list of other organizations that can help with rent if funding is unavailable. Some Salvation Army location has temporary housing units or shelters.
The organization helps at- individuals and families to house temporarily or with cash assistance to prevent the loss of utilities or housing. If you need help, make an appointment to apply for help. (Christmas assistance) Havre, Montana Phone – 406-265-6411, Helena call 406-442-8244.
United Methodist Church
This faith-based organization brings aid and hope to disadvantaged people in poor worldwide. They provide alcohol counseling, temporary housing, drug, bill, and food assistance. Assistance is given based on your gross family income and the amount of funding on hand. This organization brings aid to the poor in the United States and abroad. Their programs range from temporary housing, drug, and alcohol counseling, food, and bill assistance. These church assistance programs have limited funding. (more)
Action Inc.
Action Inc. helps disadvantaged families and individuals struggling to pay their rent. They also provide case management and financial counseling to teach budgeting and other methods to make manage money. This program helps those presently homeless or in danger of being evicted and having an eviction notice. Call to make an appointment. (more info)
25 West Silver
Butte, MT 59701
406-533-6855
1-800-382-1325
Billings Family Service
Helps with rent to prevent an eviction. Pays past due rent directly to the landlord. Also, help with late utility bills and disconnection, particularly in the winter months. (more)
406-259-2269
1824 First Avenue North, Billings,
MT 59101
Human Resource Development Council
The Emergency Solutions Grant will help you get into a new apartment or home. If approved, you will receive rent and utility deposits to get into your home and start your utility services. Eligibility includes homeless, living in a shelter, welfare hotel, or in danger of being evicted. Funding is limited, but you can get a referral to another agency if they can not help. Contact the HRC office for more information. (more)
406-728-3710
1801 S. Higgins, Missoula
MT 59801
Billings Montana Veterans Affairs Division
Rental assistance for homeless veterans. You can also receive other medical counseling services, medical assistance with case management, and clinical services.
406-373-3927/3928
1766 Majestic Lane
Billings, MT 59102
Salvation Army – Ravalli County
316 N. Third Ste. 161
Hamilton, MT – 59840
(406) 363-6101
Salvation Army – Lewis and Clark County
1905 Henderson Street
Helena, MT – 59624
(406) 442-8244
Salvation Army – Havre
322 3rd Street
Havre, MT – 59501
(406) 265-1101
The United Way
The United Way is a one-stop resource for all rent assistance in Montana and all other help types. They have a listing of government, charities, and community agencies that provide help with rent, utilities, food, Christmas assistance, mortgages, and other assistance types. They can be reached by calling 2-1-1 or unitedway.org.
Opportunities Inc.
(Emergency Services)
905 1st Avenue North
Great Falls, MT – 59401
(406) 761-0310
Human Resource Development Council
Home To Stay Program
32 South Tracy Avenue
Bozeman, MT – 59715
(406) 585-4879
WORD – Family Basics Program
2405 McIntosh Loop
Missoula, MT – 59801
(406) 543-3550
Human Resource Development Council
Home To Stay Program – Livingston
111 South 2nd Street
Livingston, MT – 59047
(406) 333-2537
Temporary Financial Assistance
The American Legion Department of Montana
PO Box 6075
Pompey’s Pillar, MT – 59064
(406) 324-3989
Public Housing Authority Of Butte
220 Curtis Street
Butte, MT – 59701
(406) 782-6461