Homeword Receives $222K for Affordable Housing and Community Development

Missoula – ‍Missoula-based nonprofit Homeword recently received $222K from Montana banks and credit unions in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) Member Impact Fund.

The Member Impact Fund is a matching grant program designed to amplify the community engagement of FHLB Des Moines member institutions. Through partnerships with local financial institutions, the program provides critical support for affordable housing and community development initiatives across the FHLB Des Moines district.

FHLB Des Moines matched more than $2.40 for every $1 contributed to Homeword by First Security Bank (Missoula and Bozeman), Glacier Bank, Valley Bank, Western Security Bank, Stockman Bank, Clearwater Credit Union, TrailWest Bank, First Interstate Bank, Park Side Credit Union and Opportunity Bank.

“We are incredibly grateful to our banking partners and to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines for recognizing the importance of our work,” said Homeword Executive Director Karissa Trujillo. “Programs like the Member Impact Fund help organizations like ours respond to growing housing challenges with meaningful, community-driven solutions.”

With this funding, Homeword is more prepared for the recent U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding changes and has increased its ability to cover the costs of expanding its HomeOwnership Center programs into Sanders, Lake, Flathead and Lincoln counties. This will also support ongoing improvements and maintenance at Homeword properties that 2,294 Montanans currently call home.

“This investment directly strengthens Homeword’s ability to expand income-restricted housing opportunities and provide critical education and support services to Montanans,” said Trujillo.

FHLB and contributing member banks selected Homeword based on the organization’s need for grant funding to support capacity-building or working capital necessary to serve affordable housing and community development needs.

“This funding will help us create and preserve more affordable homes while expanding access to homebuyer education, financial counseling and resources that support long-term housing stability for Montana families,” she said.

Visit www.homeword.org to learn more about Homeword. For information about FHLB Des Moines, go to www.fhlbdm.com.