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WORD
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THE
HISTORY OF homeWORD
homeWORD began as a project
of WORD (Women’s
Opportunity and Resource Development, Inc.) in 1994. In 1998, homeWORD
became its own 501(c)(3) with its own Board of Directors. It formed
as a response to the community need for affordable housing and aimed
to provide meaningful economic change in lower income families’ lives.
Mirroring national trends in the early 1990s, residents of Missoula,
Montana, witnessed skyrocketing housing prices and stagnant wages.
From 1990 – 2000, Missoula housing prices more than doubled
while wages increased a mere 2%.
It was evident that the housing crisis needed to be addressed. Community
members convened to assess what the non-profit community could do.
WORD, with its years of experience serving lower income families
through innovative programming, was a key participant in these meetings.
The community discussions yielded a commitment to develop five Community
Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), one of which would be
housed at WORD, and which eventually became homeWORD.
After 12 years of operation, homeWORD is a well-established, regionally
and nationally recognized affordable housing developer. As of 2006,
homeWORD has completed 8 projects totaling 108 units in Missoula
and Billings, and in each project has modeled innovative design and
development. homeWORD’s budget has grown from $15,000 and two
part-time employees to over $500,000 and 14 employees. homeWORD is
a first in the state on many fronts, introducing the state to strawbale
homes, land trusts, and community-based decision-making through charrettes.
homeWORD now operates two homeownership centers in Missoula and Billings
to promote homeownership and financial education to lower income
families. Through all of this growth, homeWORD has remained deeply
committed to its mission of providing housing and housing services
to those most in need, with an overlay of sustainable, energy-efficient,
and pleasing, community-driven design.
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