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housing assistance in montana

Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in Montana

Complete Housing Assistance Guide for Single Mothers in Montana

Last updated: August 2025

Information verified with current program data as of August 12, 2025


Main Points

  • Housing Choice Vouchers waiting list reopened on July 1, 2025, but typical wait times are 25+ months in Montana
  • Emergency Solutions Grant programs provide immediate help for rent, utilities, and moving costs across all counties
  • Montana Emergency Rental Assistance ended March 24, 2023 – no new applications accepted
  • LIHEAP energy assistance offers up to $3,765 for heating bills and $9,999 for crisis situations
  • Income limits are county-specific – most programs serve families earning 30-60% of area median income
  • Homeowner Assistance Fund provides up to $50 million statewide for mortgage help and home repairs

If You Need Help Today

Facing eviction or homeless? Call 2-1-1 immediately for emergency assistance. Press 6 for homeless services. Available 24/7 statewide.

Can’t pay utilities? Contact your local Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) for crisis utility assistance. Many offer same-day help for shut-off notices.

Need rent help now? Apply through Emergency Solutions Grant providers – they serve all Montana counties with rental assistance and eviction prevention.

In danger? Montana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: (406) 443-7794 or National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Legal help with eviction? Montana Legal Services Association: (800) 666-6124 – free legal aid for housing issues.

Emergency Housing Assistance

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program

The Emergency Solutions Grant program is Montana’s primary source of emergency housing assistance since the Montana Emergency Rental Assistance (MERA) program closed in March 2023. ESG provides federal funding through HUD to prevent homelessness, offer emergency shelter, and help families transition to permanent housing.

What it covers:

  • Up to 24 months of rental assistance in a 3-year period
  • Security deposits and first month’s rent for new housing
  • Utility deposits and payments
  • Moving costs and storage fees
  • Housing search and placement assistance
  • Case management and landlord mediation

Income requirements: Generally serves households meeting the federal definition of homeless or at risk of homelessness. Priority given to families with incomes at or below 30% of Area Median Income.

How to apply: Contact your local Emergency Solutions Grant provider through DPHHS. Each region has designated agencies that handle applications and distribute funds.

Processing time: Applications are typically processed within 1-3 weeks, but funding availability varies by region and demand.

Reality check: ESG funding is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Many providers have waiting lists during peak demand periods (winter months and after mass layoffs). Don’t wait if you’re facing eviction – apply immediately.

Human Resource Development Councils (HRDCs)

Montana has multiple HRDCs serving different regions across the state. These agencies provide emergency assistance including rental help, utility payments, and basic needs support.

Services typically include:

  • Crisis intervention for utility shut-offs
  • Emergency rental assistance (amounts vary by HRDC and available funding)
  • Security deposit assistance
  • Emergency food and household items
  • Transportation assistance

How to find your HRDC: Visit Montana 211 or call 2-1-1 to be connected to your local HRDC office.

2-1-1 Montana

Call 2-1-1 or visit Montana211.org for immediate referrals to emergency assistance in your area. Available 24/7 with live operators who can connect you to local resources.

Long-Term Housing Programs

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program is the federal government’s largest rental assistance program. Montana Department of Commerce reopened the statewide waiting list on July 1, 2025, after closing it in August 2024 due to funding constraints.

Income Eligibility (2025)

Source: Montana Department of Commerce Housing Choice Voucher Program

General requirement: Household income must be at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). Income limits vary by county.

Family Size Sample Income Limits (Non-Metro Areas)
1 person Approximately $25,000-$30,000
2 people Approximately $28,500-$34,000
3 people Approximately $32,000-$38,000
4 people Approximately $35,500-$42,500

Note: These are sample ranges. Exact income limits vary significantly by county. Check with your local field agency for precise figures in your area.

Priority groups:

  • Families experiencing homelessness
  • Families with disabilities
  • Elderly households (62+)
  • Families paying more than 50% of income for rent

Application process:

  1. Apply online through Montana Department of Commerce starting July 1, 2025
  2. Choose one of ten regional waiting lists based on where you want to live
  3. Provide income verification, ID, Social Security cards, and rental history
  4. Complete eligibility interview and background check
  5. Wait for voucher availability (typically 25+ months statewide)
  6. Attend voucher briefing and receive Housing Choice Voucher
  7. Find qualifying rental unit within 60-120 days
  8. Pass housing quality standards inspection before move-in

Reality check: According to Montana Budget & Policy Center data, the average wait time for vouchers in Montana is 25 months, with over 5,000 people on waiting lists as of January 2020. Urban areas like Missoula and Bozeman typically have longer waits than rural areas.

Current Voucher Payment Standards (2025)

Source: Montana Department of Commerce 2025 Payment Standards

Area 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 4 BR
Billings MSA $728 $942 $1,342 $1,542
Great Falls $649 $842 $1,199 $1,399
Missoula MSA $799 $1,035 $1,475 $1,675
Non-Metro MT $628 $814 $1,160 $1,350

These are maximum amounts Section 8 will pay toward rent in each area. Participants pay approximately 30% of their adjusted income, with the voucher covering the remainder up to these limits.

Moderate Rehabilitation Program

The Moderate Rehabilitation program provides project-based rental assistance at specific properties in Montana. Unlike vouchers, this assistance stays with the building.

Key differences from vouchers:

  • Assistance is tied to specific apartment buildings
  • Typically shorter wait times than vouchers
  • You lose assistance if you move from the property
  • Available only in select cities and properties

Rent calculation: Participants pay approximately 30% of adjusted income for rent, same as vouchers.

Public Housing

Traditional public housing developments are limited in Montana, with most assistance provided through vouchers. Contact your local housing authority to inquire about public housing availability in your area.

Utility Assistance Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills through Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services.

Benefits Available (FY2025)

Source: Montana LIHEAP Program

Benefit Type Amount Range When Available
Regular Heating $108 – $3,765 October 1 – April 30
Crisis Emergency Up to $9,999 Year-round
Weatherization Varies Year-round

Income Eligibility (60% State Median Income)

Source: Montana State University LIHEAP Information

Household Size Maximum Annual Income (2025)
1 person $31,824
2 people $41,688
3 people $51,552
4 people $61,416
5 people $71,280

Application periods:

  • Regular assistance: October 1 – April 30 annually
  • Crisis assistance: Available year-round
  • Weatherization: Year-round applications accepted

Processing time: Typically 2-4 weeks after complete application submission.

Required documents:

  • Photo ID for primary applicant
  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Recent utility bills showing account information
  • Proof of income for previous month for all household members 18+
  • Bank statements for all accounts

How to apply: Contact your local Human Resource Development Council (HRDC). Applications must be printed and delivered or mailed to local eligibility offices – online submission not available.

Automatic discounts: LIHEAP recipients automatically receive utility discounts from participating companies:

  • NorthWestern Energy: 25% electric discount (Nov-Apr), 15% (May-Oct); 30% gas discount (Nov-Apr)
  • Various rural electric cooperatives offer additional discounts

Energy Share of Montana

Energy Share provides emergency energy assistance for households that don’t qualify for LIHEAP or need additional help.

Who it serves: Families with income too high for LIHEAP but facing energy emergencies Assistance: Emergency funds for heating bills, propane, fuel oil, and wood Funding: Supported by private donations and utility companies

Homeownership Programs

Montana Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)

The Montana Homeowner Assistance Fund provides $50 million in federal funding to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.

Services available:

  • Mortgage reinstatement: Interest-free loans to bring mortgages current
  • Lien prevention: Grants to prevent property tax foreclosure
  • Utilities/Internet: Assistance with energy and broadband bills
  • Home repairs: Grants for health and safety repairs

Income eligibility: Household income at or below 150% of Area Median Income for most programs, 100% AMI for some services.

How to apply: Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor before applying. Applications processed through Montana Department of Commerce.

Montana Housing First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Montana Housing offers several programs for first-time homebuyers:

Down Payment Assistance: Up to $7,500 for down payment and closing costs Regular Bond Program: Below-market interest rate loans for qualified buyers Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): Annual tax credits for qualified homeowners

USDA Rural Housing Programs

Section 502 Direct Loans

USDA provides direct loans for rural homebuying with no down payment required.

Current benefits:

  • No down payment required
  • Below-market interest rates
  • Payment assistance available based on income
  • Loan terms up to 33 years (38 years for very low-income applicants)

Eligibility requirements:

  • Property must be in USDA-eligible rural area
  • Income at or below low-income limits for the area
  • Unable to obtain conventional financing
  • U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

Montana USDA offices:

  • Northwest Montana: (406) 587-6872
  • Northeast Montana: (406) 228-6596
  • Southwest Montana: (406) 585-2580

Specialized Housing Resources

Transitional Housing Programs

The Poverello Center (Missoula)

The Poverello Center provides food, shelter, and housing services in Missoula.

Services include:

  • Emergency shelter
  • Transitional housing programs
  • Case management and support services
  • Meals and basic necessities

Missoula Housing Authority Programs

Missoula Housing Authority operates several specialized programs:

Programs available:

  • Emergency and transitional housing for families
  • Housing for veterans through VASH vouchers
  • Supportive housing for disabled individuals
  • Family self-sufficiency programs

Domestic Violence Housing

Montana Coalition Against Domestic Violence

24/7 Hotline: (406) 443-7794

Safe housing options for survivors include:

  • Emergency shelter in confidential locations
  • Transitional housing programs
  • Rapid rehousing assistance
  • Safety planning and legal advocacy

Inclusive Housing Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

While Montana has limited LGBTQ+-specific housing programs, the following resources provide affirming support:

National resources:

  • National LGBTQ Task Force: Housing discrimination information and advocacy
  • SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders): Housing resources for older adults

Local support:

  • Montana Human Rights Network: Advocacy and resource referrals
  • Contact 2-1-1 and specifically request LGBTQ+-affirming housing providers

Tribal-Specific Resources

Montana has seven Indian reservations with specialized housing programs:

HUD Indian Housing Programs: Available to enrolled tribal members

  • Little Shell Tribe
  • Blackfeet Nation
  • Crow Nation
  • Fort Belknap Indian Reservation
  • Fort Peck Indian Reservation
  • Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation
  • Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

Contact: HUD’s Office of Native American Programs at (800) 955-2232

Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program: Available to Native Americans nationwide for homebuying on or off reservations.

Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access

Rural Montana families face unique challenges including limited transportation and fewer service providers.

Specialized resources:

  • USDA Rural Development programs prioritize rural areas
  • HRDCs provide outreach services to rural communities
  • Mobile service delivery available in some counties
  • Telehealth and virtual support services

Transportation assistance:

  • Contact local HRDCs for transportation vouchers
  • Some agencies provide gas cards for essential appointments
  • Public transit limited but available in some areas

Single Fathers

While this guide focuses on single mothers, single fathers face similar housing challenges and can access the same programs:

All housing assistance programs described above are available regardless of gender Additional resources:

  • National At-Home Dad Network: Support groups and resources
  • Montana Fatherhood Initiative: Local support and resources

Resources by Region

Western Montana (Missoula Area)

Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana (CAPNM)

  • LIHEAP utility assistance
  • Emergency rental assistance
  • Weatherization programs
  • Phone: (406) 758-5433
  • Serves: Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Sanders counties

Missoula Housing Authority

  • Housing Choice Vouchers (1-4 year wait)
  • Project-based housing
  • Address: 1247 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802

South Central Montana (Billings Area)

HRDC District 7

  • Emergency assistance programs
  • LIHEAP assistance
  • Housing counseling
  • Phone: (406) 247-4732
  • Serves: Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Yellowstone counties

Action, Inc. (Butte)

  • Housing Choice Vouchers
  • Emergency assistance
  • Phone: (406) 723-3040
  • Serves: Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Madison, Powell, Silver Bow counties

North Central Montana (Great Falls Area)

Rocky Mountain Development Council

  • LIHEAP assistance
  • Emergency rental help
  • Weatherization
  • Phone: (406) 447-1625
  • Serves: Cascade, Chouteau, Glacier, Pondera, Teton, Toole counties

Eastern Montana

Action for Eastern Montana

  • LIHEAP and energy assistance
  • Emergency services
  • Phone: (406) 377-3564
  • Serves: 17 eastern Montana counties including Richland, Dawson, McCone

Central Montana

Central Montana Community Action (Lewistown)

  • Housing assistance programs
  • LIHEAP services
  • Phone: (406) 538-2717
  • Serves: Blaine, Fergus, Judith Basin, Petroleum, Phillips counties

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

How long do I have to wait for Section 8 in Montana?

According to Montana Budget & Policy Center data, the average wait time statewide is 25 months, with over 5,000 people on waiting lists. Wait times vary by region:

  • Urban areas (Billings, Missoula, Bozeman): 24-48 months
  • Rural areas: 12-30 months
  • Statewide average: 25 months

The waiting list reopened July 1, 2025, after being closed since August 2024 due to funding constraints.

Can I get help if I’m working?

Yes! Most programs have income limits rather than requiring unemployment. For example, LIHEAP serves households with incomes up to 60% of state median income – about $31,824 for a single person in 2025. A single mother working minimum wage ($10.30/hour in Montana) earning about $21,400 annually would qualify for most assistance programs.

What if my landlord won’t accept Section 8?

Montana has no source of income discrimination laws, so landlords can legally refuse vouchers. However, many do participate. Use Montana Housing Search to find voucher-accepting landlords, or contact your local housing authority for participating landlord lists.

Why did MERA end but other programs continue?

MERA was a temporary COVID-19 relief program that stopped accepting applications March 24, 2023. It helped over 21,000 Montana households but had limited federal funding. Ongoing programs like Section 8 and ESG receive annual federal appropriations and continue operating.

Can I get help with a mobile home or manufactured housing?

Yes, most programs cover manufactured housing. LIHEAP assists with all heating types and home types including mobile homes. Section 8 vouchers can be used for manufactured housing that meets quality standards. USDA loans also cover manufactured homes in rural areas.

What if I have bad credit or an eviction?

Many assistance programs don’t have strict credit requirements. Emergency programs like ESG focus on current need rather than credit history. For Section 8, housing authorities may consider negative history but often allow explanations for past problems, especially those related to domestic violence or medical issues.

How do I prove my income if I work multiple jobs or have irregular income?

Keep detailed records of all work and income sources. Provide pay stubs from all employers, bank statements showing deposits, and written statements from employers about work schedules. Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor for help documenting irregular income properly.

Can I get help moving from another state?

Section 8 vouchers are portable between states through the “portability” process. Contact your current housing authority to begin the transfer process. For other programs, you’ll need to establish Montana residency and apply locally.

What happens during Montana’s harsh winters if I can’t afford heating?

LIHEAP provides crisis assistance year-round for heating emergencies, up to $9,999 for extreme situations. Many utility companies offer budget billing and payment plans. Energy Share of Montana provides emergency fuel assistance. Contact 2-1-1 immediately if you’re facing a heating shut-off.

How do I appeal if I’m denied assistance?

Every program has an appeals process. You’ll receive written notice explaining denial reasons and appeal deadlines – typically 10-30 days. Montana Legal Services Association provides free legal help with housing appeals. Don’t miss the deadline, as late appeals are usually dismissed.

Warning Signs and Reality Checks

Red Flags to Avoid

Housing scams are common in Montana: Never pay upfront fees to “guarantee” Section 8 vouchers or move to the front of waiting lists. Government programs are free to apply for.

Rental scams target desperate families: Be wary of listings requiring money before viewing properties, especially in high-demand areas like Bozeman and Missoula.

Fake emergency assistance: Legitimate programs don’t require gift cards or wire transfers as payment methods.

Montana-Specific Challenges

Extreme weather impacts: Montana’s harsh winters make heating assistance critical. Apply for LIHEAP by October 1 each year – don’t wait until your furnace breaks.

Rural isolation: Limited public transportation makes accessing services difficult. Plan ahead for appointments and ask about mobile services.

Housing shortage: Montana ranks as one of the least affordable housing markets in the nation. Even with assistance, finding available units can be challenging.

Seasonal employment: Montana’s tourism and agricultural economy creates income fluctuations. Save documentation of year-round income when applying for programs.

Tips for Success in Montana

Apply before winter: Many families apply for heating assistance in October, creating backlogs. Submit applications as early as possible.

Maintain multiple contacts: Rural service providers may have limited hours. Get multiple phone numbers and backup contacts.

Document everything: Keep detailed records of all communications, especially during winter months when weather can disrupt services.

Build relationships: Small communities rely on personal connections. Volunteer with local organizations to build networks that can help during emergencies.

Plan for transportation: Keep your vehicle winterized and maintain emergency supplies. Some appointments require travel to distant offices.

Additional Resources

Montana State Agencies

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

Montana Department of Commerce – Housing Division

Federal Resources

HUD Customer Service

USDA Rural Development Montana

Legal Aid

Montana Legal Services Association

Financial Counseling

Montana Homeownership Network Find certified financial counselors and homebuyer education through HUD-approved agencies throughout Montana.

Crisis and Emergency Contacts

Montana 2-1-1

Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline

  • Crisis mental health support
  • Call: 9-8-8

About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Montana guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Department of Commerce, USDA, and HUD to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Department of Commerce, USDA, and HUD sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

Program details, income limits, and availability can change frequently. Montana’s housing assistance landscape is particularly dynamic due to federal funding fluctuations and seasonal demand. This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always verify current program requirements, application deadlines, and income limits with the relevant agency before applying. Funding for assistance programs is limited and not guaranteed to be available when you apply. Due to Montana’s extreme weather conditions, emergency assistance may have higher demand during winter months.

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