A long-awaited affordable housing project in Billings is one step closer to becoming reality — the LB Lofts, a 102-unit development on Sioux Lane in the Billings Heights, has secured its full funding package from 11 different sources after three years in development. With nearly 6,000 people on the affordable housing waitlist in Billings alone, the project aims to serve working residents whose rent costs are outpacing their wages. Construction could begin as early as this September, pending Billings City Council approval of a general contractor request for proposal.

From our Orchard Gardens property in Missoula, Executive Director Karissa thanks our volunteers from Windermere Real Estate, shares about our recent news article and blog, welcomes our two new board members and and invites you to Housing Night with the PaddleHeads on July 17.

Homeword Executive Director Karissa talks property improvements, the expansion of our HomeOwnership Center programs, our lending partners who supported us in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Member Impact Fund , Missoula Gives and more in this Executive Director Insight video!

In this Executive Director Insight video, Karissa joins Scott Burke, President and CEO of First Security Bank, to talk about our partnership and Homeword's recent Sustainable Communities Benefit Luncheon.

Carmen and Zoe, new homeowners and residents of Alberton, share how they forged a successful path to homeownership with support from our homebuyer education program. In our Get Ready for HomeOwnership class, they gained clarity and confidence, learning at their own pace and understanding what was truly affordable for them. With personalized counseling, they explored loan options, assessed their financial readiness and made informed decisions without pressure. Today, they’re proud homeowners, with space to build community and host loved ones. What once felt out of reach is now an exciting new chapter made possible with the right support.

Missoula Community Access Television (MCAT) Media interviewed educators Chelsea Nichols and Alex Ramsing on “Your Missoula” about Homeword and our financial and homebuyer education programs.

Catch up on our 2025 State of the Organization presentation, where we shared updates on our statewide impact, introduced new staff and board members and highlighted a special partner dedicated to strengthening affordable housing in Montana. The recording also includes the latest news on property improvements, HomeOwnership Center programs and our continued work to build strong, resilient communities across the state.

Executive Director Karissa celebrates our 2025 Annual Report and the stories that define our impact across Montana and invites you to our upcoming State of the Organization virtual presentation on December 2.

Read our November newsletter now.

“Because of Junegrass, my family lives a more fulfilling life."

At the Junegrass Place Celebration in Kalispell, Nicole—single mom of three and proud resident at Junegrass Place—delivered a moving speech about how having a home she can afford has transformed her family’s life.

Her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities come together to create homes that empower working families.

Executive Director Karissa shares some highlights from our busy summer, details about a few of our upcoming events and a sneak peek of our newest property, Cube @ 603 in Missoula.

Executive Director Karissa invites you to the family-friendly PaddleHeads Housing Night baseball game on July 17, plus a community bike ride from Creekside Apartments to the stadium with Missoula In Motion. Filming from the Palace Apartments display, she also spotlights the event’s e-bike raffle.

From Ogren Park, Homeword Executive Director Karissa offers a preview of our May newsletter content and invites the community to Housing Night, a special event in collaboration with Missoula’s PaddleHeads baseball team, Park Side Credit Union and other housing organizations.

Katie and Larry Neskey share about their family's transition from a farming lifestyle in St. Ignatius to a new life in Butte, Montana. After nine years of farming, they realized it was time for a change—something that would better support their family, especially their two children who have special medical needs.

Executive Director Karissa is proud that Homeword is adapting to change and continuing to move forward, and she invites applications to our board of directors.