Affordable Housing Trust Fund

The City established the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in 2020. The purpose of the fund is to provide gap financing to organizations, both non-profit and for-profit, that serve beneficiaries of low to moderate income. The Fund was initially created through several investments from the City Commission and will receive $100,000 each year from the City’s General Fund. Since the fund was created, staff have been working with a seven-member advisory board that will provide recommendations to the City Commission, which makes the final decision concerning which projects receive support.

The standard match for the fund is set at 5:1, meaning an applicant must provide five dollars for every one dollar the City invests. Projects that provide temporary or transitional housing can negotiate a lower match. Funds will be dispersed as low-interest loans, with payments returning to the fund to address further housing needs. There is potential for grant opportunities if the development of housing utilizes a community land trust model to ensure permanent affordability.

There are two application cycles per year, one in the Spring and one in the Fall. After each application deadline, City staff will review all applications for eligibility and completeness. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board will then invite applicants to present their proposals and the Board will make their recommendations to the City Commission for final funding decisions.

Application Details 

The Spring 2024 application cycle opens March 1, 2024, with application submissions due no later than 5pm on April 26, 2024. Please review the application documents linked below for guidance on eligibility, use of funds, and applicant requirements. Approximately $1,000,000 of funding is available for the Spring 2024 application cycle.  A non-refundable application fee of $200 will be due upon submittal. To ask questions about the application or program, please contact Community Development staff by calling (406) 447-8491 or by e-mailing citycommunitydevelopment@helenamt.gov. 

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