More Affordable Housing Options on The Way for Select Residents



Great news for Montana families struggling with housing costs! The program for Housing Choice Vouchers, also known as Section 8, is taking new applications again. This program had stopped taking new people in August 2024, but now it's open.

Wondering what this program is all about? It helps families with low income, older people, and people with disabilities pay for their housing.

It's a chance for them to pick a place to live from certain properties and only pay about 30% of what they earn each month for their rent and bills.

Here's why the waiting list is open again: Montana fought for and won a better deal with the federal government over what's called "fair market rent."

Before, the voucher amount didn't cover as much as it needed to because housing in Montana can be expensive. But now, the amount is more in line with what landlords charge, which should help more people.

Michael O'Neil, who leads the Helena Housing Authority, talked about why the old voucher amounts weren't enough. He explained that when people can't afford to live where they work, it causes lots of problems.

Families end up sharing homes with others or, even worse, living out of their cars. Homelessness is a huge issue, and these changes in the voucher program are a step towards solving it.

If you've been waiting for a voucher, now's the time to make sure your contact details are up-to-date. And if you're not sure if you can get a voucher, it's a good idea to ask your local housing authority. For folks in Lewis and Clark County, you should reach out to the Helena Housing Authority.

For more information or to see if you can apply, check out the voucher program's website.

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