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For Montana residents facing financial hardship, securing stable housing is a primary concern. While the large-scale, pandemic-era Montana Emergency Rental Assistance (MERA) program provided a critical lifeline, the landscape of available support has evolved.
Understanding the current network of state, federal, and local programs is essential for navigating housing instability. A range of robust, ongoing assistance options exists to help renters with long-term subsidies, emergency funds, and eviction prevention. These resources are administered by various agencies, and knowing where to turn first can make a significant difference.
It is crucial for residents seeking aid to understand the status of the state's most prominent recent program. The Montana Emergency Rental Assistance (MERA) program, funded by the federal government to address COVID-19-related hardships, has shifted its operations.
MERA Program Closure
The MERA program is no longer accepting new applications. The application portal officially closed at 11:59 p.m. on March 24, 2023.
For tenants and landlords who submitted applications on or before that deadline, the MERA program continues to process the existing queue of requests. Applicants with pending applications should diligently monitor their emails for status updates and requests for information from program administrators.
The Shift to Ongoing Support
The conclusion of the MERA program does not signify an end to housing support in Montana. Instead, it marks a return to long-standing, sustainable programs designed to provide ongoing stability.
The closure of the centralized MERA system means that assistance is now accessed through a more decentralized network of state agencies, regional Human Resources Development Councils (HRDCs), local non-profits, and federal programs. This requires a different approach; rather than a single application, individuals must now navigate a variety of specialized resources. The following sections provide a clear roadmap to these currently available and active programs.
The Montana Department of Commerce, through its Housing Division, serves as the central administrator for several foundational, long-term rental assistance programs. These programs are designed to provide sustainable support to Montanans whose housing needs are not met by the private market.
A key distinction among these programs is whether they offer "tenant-based" assistance, which moves with the family, or "project-based" assistance, which is tied to a specific housing unit. Understanding this difference is fundamental to developing an effective strategy for securing aid.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): Flexible, Tenant-Based Support
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, commonly known as Section 8, is the nation's primary rental assistance program for low-income families. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered in Montana by the Department of Commerce, which acts as the statewide Public Housing Authority (PHA).
How It Works
The program provides a rental subsidy, or "voucher," directly to eligible households. This assistance is tenant-based, meaning it is portable and belongs to the family, not the housing unit. This gives participants the flexibility to find and choose their own housing—including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments—in the private rental market, provided the landlord agrees to participate in the program.
As a general rule, participating families pay approximately 30% of their adjusted gross monthly income toward rent and utilities. The voucher subsidy covers the remainder of the rent up to a locally defined payment standard.
Eligibility
Eligibility is determined by local PHAs or their designated field agents, such as regional HRDCs. The criteria are primarily based on total annual gross income and family size. In general, a family's income may not exceed 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county in which they choose to live. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens or have an eligible immigration status.
Application Process
Securing a Housing Choice Voucher is a multi-step process that requires patience.
Targeted Housing Programs for Specific Needs
Beyond the general HCV program, the Montana Department of Commerce oversees specialized programs designed to assist specific populations with unique housing challenges.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
This program is a collaborative effort between HUD and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to serve veterans who are experiencing homelessness. It pairs a Housing Choice Voucher with comprehensive case management and clinical services provided by local VA medical centers.
Participation in these supportive services is a mandatory component of the program. The Montana Department of Commerce administers two forms of HUD-VASH assistance: traditional tenant-based vouchers that allow veterans to choose their own housing, and project-based vouchers at specific locations, such as Freedom's Path at Fort Harrison.
Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities
The Section 811 program provides rental assistance to households that include at least one adult member with a disability. Unlike the HCV program, this assistance is project-based, meaning the subsidy is attached to a specific apartment unit rather than the individual tenant.
Property owners receive the subsidy from HUD, allowing them to offer reduced rents to eligible tenants. Tenants in these units typically pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. If a tenant moves from a Section 811 unit, the assistance remains with the unit for the next eligible tenant. The Department of Commerce provides a list of participating Section 811 properties.
Other Subsidized Housing (Project-Based Assistance)
For individuals seeking housing assistance, applying for project-based programs in parallel with the tenant-based Housing Choice Voucher can be a highly effective strategy. While project-based options limit housing choice to specific locations, their waiting lists may be shorter, offering a more immediate path to an affordable home.
Project-Based Section 8
In this program, the rental subsidy is attached to the property. Owners of private rental housing enter into a contract with HUD to provide affordable units to low-income tenants. The Montana Department of Commerce acts as the contract administrator for many of these developments, ensuring regulatory compliance. Tenants living in these units receive the benefit of the subsidy, but the assistance does not move with them if they choose to leave the property.
Moderate Rehabilitation (MOD Rehab)
The MOD Rehab program also provides project-based rental assistance at specific properties. For applicants, this program may offer a faster route to receiving assistance compared to the HCV waiting list.
It is critical to understand that the rental assistance is tied to the building; a tenant who moves from a MOD Rehab property will lose the subsidy. Those interested in this option can indicate their interest on the general Housing Choice Voucher waiting list application.
While statewide programs offer a foundation for long-term housing stability, the most immediate and accessible assistance is often found at the local level. A network of community-based organizations across Montana serves as the frontline for connecting residents with a wide array of support services. For anyone in a housing crisis, contacting their local community action agency should be the first step.
Human Resources Development Councils (HRDCs): The Central Hub for Assistance
Human Resources Development Councils (HRDCs) are non-profit Community Action Agencies that serve as the primary local hubs for social services in designated counties throughout Montana. These organizations are the on-the-ground navigators of the entire assistance system. Their staff possess localized knowledge of available funds, partnerships with other non-profits, and the expertise to guide individuals through complex application processes.
HRDCs administer a diverse portfolio of services critical to housing stability:
Montana HRDC and Community Action Agency Directory
To find the correct agency for a specific county, refer to the directory below. Contacting the appropriate office is the most effective first step toward accessing local and state resources.
| HRDC/Agency Name | Counties/Region Served | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Action for Eastern Montana | Carter, Custer, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, McCone, Phillips, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sheridan, Treasure, Valley, Wibaux | (406) 377-3564 |
| Action, Inc. | Butte-Silver Bow, Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Powell, Granite, Jefferson, Madison | (406) 533-6855 |
| Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana (CAPNM) | Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Sanders | (406) 752-6565 |
| District 4 HRDC | Hill, Blaine, Liberty | (406) 265-6743 |
| District 6 HRDC | Fergus, Judith Basin, Petroleum, Wheatland, Golden Valley, Musselshell | (406) 535-7488 |
| District 7 HRDC | Big Horn, Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Yellowstone | (406) 247-4732 |
| District 9 HRDC (HRDC) | Gallatin, Park, Meagher | (406) 587-4486 |
| District 11 HRDC (Human Resource Council) | Missoula, Ravalli, Mineral | (406) 728-3710 |
| Opportunities, Inc. | Cascade, Chouteau, Glacier, Pondera, Teton, Toole | (406) 761-0310 |
| Rocky Mountain Development Council, Inc. (RMDC) | Lewis and Clark, Broadwater | (406) 457-7368 |
Local Non-Profit and Faith-Based Assistance
In addition to HRDCs, many communities have local non-profit and faith-based organizations that provide emergency financial assistance. These funds are often limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. It is always advisable to call ahead to inquire about the availability of funds and the application process.
For a tenant facing an eviction notice, the situation can feel overwhelming. However, it is critical to understand that the eviction process in Montana is governed by specific legal procedures, and tenants have clearly defined rights. A landlord cannot simply change the locks or force a tenant out without following a legal process.
The Legal Eviction Process in Montana: What to Expect
The eviction process is a legal action that must proceed through the court system. A landlord cannot take matters into their own hands. A court order signed by a judge is required for a legal eviction.
Step 1: Written Notice
The legal process begins when a landlord provides the tenant with a formal, written notice terminating the rental agreement. The length of the notice period is dictated by the reason for the termination.
Step 2: Lawsuit (Action for Possession)
If the tenant does not comply with the notice by the deadline, the landlord's next step is to file an eviction lawsuit, also known as an "Action for Possession," with the local court.
Step 3: Summons and Complaint
After the lawsuit is filed, the tenant will be formally served with court documents, typically a Summons and a Complaint. This is a critical moment that requires immediate action from the tenant.
Your Most Important Deadline: The 5-Day Response
Once a tenant is served with a Summons and Complaint for eviction, a strict legal timeline begins. The single most important action a tenant must take is to file a formal response with the court.
Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA): Your Strongest Ally
Facing a legal process alone can be intimidating. The Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) is a non-profit law firm dedicated to providing free civil legal services to low-income Montanans.
The Montana Eviction Intervention Project (MEIP)
MLSA operates this specific project to provide free legal representation directly to tenants facing eviction. The project's attorneys can help tenants understand their rights, negotiate with landlords, access rental assistance, and represent them in court.
How to Get Help
Tenants who have received a termination notice or have been served with eviction papers should contact MLSA immediately due to the tight five-day deadline to file an Answer.
A household's ability to pay rent is directly tied to its other essential expenses. High energy costs can strain a budget to the breaking point. Several key programs are designed specifically to alleviate this burden, which in turn provides a powerful, indirect form of rent relief.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a cornerstone federal program that provides financial assistance to help low-income households pay their heating bills.
What It Is
LIHEAP provides a direct payment, typically to the household's fuel vendor, to cover a portion of winter heating costs. The benefit amount is calculated based on income, household size, fuel type, and housing type. The program also helps with furnace emergencies for eligible households.
Who is Eligible
The program is open to both homeowners and renters. Eligibility is determined by household income and resource limits, which are updated annually. For the 2024-2025 program year, income limits are generally set at 60% of the state median income. Households that receive benefits from SNAP, SSI, or TANF may be automatically eligible.
Application Period
The primary application window for heating assistance runs from October 1 through April 30 each year.
How to Apply
Applications are managed locally by the regional HRDCs and Tribal LIHEAP offices. Applicants can often find the application form online through the Montana DPHHS website or their local HRDC's site. The completed application, along with required documentation, must be printed and mailed or delivered to the local office.
Necessary documents typically include:
Energy Share of Montana
Energy Share of Montana is a private, non-profit organization that serves as a crucial safety net for households facing energy emergencies, often when no other help is available.
What It Is
Energy Share provides one-time grants to help with energy emergencies, such as a utility shut-off notice, an empty propane tank, or a malfunctioning furnace. It is designed as a program of last resort.
Who is Eligible
A key feature of Energy Share is that its eligibility is not strictly tied to income caps in the same way as LIHEAP. It is a situation-based program that can assist households who may have income slightly too high for federal aid but are still facing a genuine crisis. The program is available year-round.
How to Apply
As with LIHEAP, applications for Energy Share are processed through the local HRDC offices. During the winter heating season (October-April), applicants are typically required to apply for LIHEAP at the same time they apply for Energy Share.
Utility Company Programs
Many utility providers in Montana offer their own assistance programs, often in the form of a monthly discount for customers who have been approved for LIHEAP. Participating companies include North Western Energy, Flathead Electric Cooperative, and Missoula Electric Cooperative, among others. Residents should always contact their specific utility company directly to inquire about available discounts, budget billing plans, or other assistance options.
Yes, specific housing aid is often available. The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program gives preference to elderly and disabled applicants. Local housing authorities and organizations like the Area Agencies on Aging can also provide information on targeted assistance programs designed to help seniors and individuals with disabilities secure stable housing.
Some local community action agencies and non-profits in Montana offer security deposit assistance for eligible low-income households. This form of aid is separate from monthly rent relief but is crucial for securing new housing. Contact your local Human Resources Development Council (HRDC) to inquire about available programs.
If your application for Montana rent relief is denied, you should receive a written notice explaining the reason. You typically have the right to appeal the decision. The denial letter will provide instructions and a deadline for filing an appeal, so it's important to act quickly and gather any necessary documentation.
Unemployment benefits are considered part of your household's gross annual income. While receiving them does not automatically disqualify you, the amount you receive is factored into eligibility calculations for most Montana rent relief programs, which are typically income-based. Always report all sources of income accurately on your application.
Yes, veterans facing housing instability can access specialized assistance. The HUD-VASH program, a partnership between HUD and the VA, provides housing vouchers and support services to homeless veterans. Contact the Montana Department of Military Affairs or a local VA office for information on this and other veteran-specific resources.
While rent relief programs focus on housing payments, some organizations provide separate utility assistance to prevent shut-offs. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the primary resource. Additionally, The Salvation Army and local charities may offer emergency funds for utility bills to help maintain housing.
Eligibility for federal housing programs, like the Housing Choice Voucher, generally requires that at least one member of your household has eligible immigration status (U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen). Some state or locally-funded programs may have different requirements. It's best to check with the specific program provider.
Tenant-based assistance, like the Housing Choice Voucher, is tied to you and allows you to choose a unit in the private market. Project-based assistance is tied to a specific apartment building or complex. You only receive the aid if you live in one of those designated, subsidized units.
Generally, college students are not eligible for federal housing assistance unless they meet specific exceptions, such as being a veteran, married, having a dependent child, or having a disability. Local or private aid programs may have different rules, so it is always worth inquiring with community-based organizations.
The timeline varies significantly by program. Emergency grants from non-profits may be approved within days or weeks, while waiting lists for long-term Montana rent relief like the Housing Choice Voucher program can be months or even years long. It is critical to apply for assistance as soon as you anticipate a need.
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