Many COVID-era rental relief programs have ended but there are still multiple Montana emergency rental assistance programs that can help residents stay in their homes. The threat of housing insecurity can feel overpowering, but there are programs to help. Find out how to apply for emergency rental assistance in Montana and how these programs benefit communities.

Montana Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The Montana Emergency Rental Assistance (MERA) program provides residents experiencing housing instability with financial support. Eligible households could receive up to $2,200 for rent, $300 for utilities, and $50 for internet service each month. However, the amount each household receives is calculated based on their income and expenses.

To qualify, households must be able to prove significant financial hardship related to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, earn 80% or less of the local median household income, and demonstrate the threat of housing instability.

Montana Housing Choice Voucher Program

Montant residents with disabilities, low-income families, and senior citizens can access safe and affordable housing through the Montana Housing Choice Voucher Program through the Department of Commerce. Qualified households can choose their preferred housing in the community. Recipients pay approximately 30% of their gross adjusted income toward rent. The subsidy covers the rest.

The amount of the subsidy may be adjusted as the household’s income changes, so it’s important to update your information regularly as jobs change, whether your income is going up or down. You may qualify for this program if you meet HUD income guidelines. Applications are divided into regions, so make sure you’re submitting the right application for your county.

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program

The Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program offers qualifying homeless veterans in Montana case management and clinical services. Through this program, Montana residents who are veterans or have veterans in their households can receive vouchers to help them secure and maintain housing.

Eligibility screenings are conducted by the US Department of Veteran Affairs case management team. To qualify for this program, you must:

Receive ongoing case management.
Have prior military service.
Meet income requirements.

Project-Based Section 8

The project-based Section 8 Program in Montana works by funding apartments, not individual occupants. Typically, residents will only be expected to pay about 30% of their household income as rent. A Housing Assistance Payment contract covers the rest, adjusting with the household’s income over time. This program is administered by Montana Housing at the Montana Department of Commerce.

Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities

This critical program supports Montant residents with disabilities and promotes their independence wherever possible. HUD supplies funding to subsidize and develop housing that specifically serves low-income adults with disabilities. It can provide interest-free capital advances for the development of accessible housing for the disabled.

These capital advances do not need to be repaid as long as the housing is available for low-income adults with disabilities for at least 40 years, incentivizing the management to keep their pricing accessible.

Disabled people and the families that care for them are especially vulnerable to housing instability. Programs like this can help ease hardships for families and allow them to focus on caring for their disabled family members. This program can also make it easier for low-income disabled adults to secure housing that is both financially and physically accessible.

NeighborWorks Montana Rental Assistance

The NeighborWorks program provides counseling to renters and housing education through a network of HUD-approved agencies. This program works with local organizations to help renters apply for federal, state, and local emergency rental assistance. If you need help stabilizing your housing situation, this organization can minimize the stress and anxiety of the application process.

To qualify for this program, you must:

Earn 80% or less of the local median income
Demonstrate the threat of housing instability

The Importance of Rental Assistance in Local Communities

Housing insecurity can have a significant impact on communities. When Montana residents and their families are removed from their homes, social ties are damaged. Individuals may experience the stress of starting over with new housing, jobs, and schools.

Programs that help Montana residents facing eviction and housing insecurity play a major role in combating the negative effects of the pandemic on Montana communities. Keeping more people in their homes helps communities by encouraging strong relationships and allowing people to continue developing friendships with the people at their jobs and schools.

Accessing Help with Rent in Montana

If you need support to maintain stable housing and reduce the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on your household, emergency rental assistance programs may be able to help.

To see what emergency rental assistance programs are available in your area, consider using the Affordable Housing Hub’s tool to search and apply for emergency rental assistance programs and low-income housing options.