Kalispell homeless shelter and transitional living program Samaritan House has gotten an infusion of funding from a state grant for a project planned to increase its housing, particularly for veterans, but it is still seeking additional donations for the project. 

The Montana Department of Commerce awarded a $750,000 Housing Trust Fund grant to the Samaritan House to assist in funding the shelter’s expansion project that looks to turn the old Army Reserve Armory into housing. The project calls for creating 18 two- and three-bedroom units for family-style housing that is free or reduced; a shelter overflow that accommodates 30 individuals; and 27 new single units for individuals, 15 of which are reserved for veterans. 

 “The funding will go a long way to help us with this expansion and we are very grateful for it,” said Chris Krager, executive director at Samaritan House.

The total cost of the project is $16.9 million. The Samaritan House is anticipating additional grants but is still seeking roughly $7 million through donations. 

The Samaritan House in 2008 acquired the 2.5-acre property where its administrative center has operated. The expansion project was announced in 2021. 

Krager notes the building at 1110 Second Street West served as a military recruitment center for roughly 40 years, which then closed its doors long enough that the government was legally obligated to donate the space to a high-priority cause, such as addressing homelessness. 

“We did some data research, and there are gaps in the community,” he said while pointing out that Kalispell does not have dedicated housing for homeless veterans. “It’s exciting to be creating housing and programs to fill those gaps.” 

The layout of new facilities is not yet defined, but Krager hopes to break ground in April, around the same time as Samaritan House’s Cowboy Up 2024 auction and fundraising event. At that time staff is expected to set about streamlining offices and the administration building, and adding services on site, such as job services and mental health services. 

A big kitchen is part of the plan, and the new cafeteria will be able to seat 126 people for meals. 

The Department of Commerce awarded a total of $9.4 million in funds to six communities around the state. Besides Kalispell, those receiving funding include Billings, Butte-Silver Bow County, Hamilton, Helena and Missoula. 

“It is critical that all Montanans have a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Cheryl Cohen, Montana Housing Division Administrator with the Department of Commerce. “That’s why Commerce will continue to support programs that help increase the number of affordable, attainable homes across the state.

The funding will provide homes for Montanans who are at risk of homelessness, in lower wage-earning jobs and those experiencing special needs, she noted. 

Through commerce’s housing programs, the awarded funds will be used to build new homes and rehabilitate 485 affordable homes in Montana. 

In addition to the Housing Trust Fund program, funds were awarded from the Home Investment Partnership Program and Community Development Block Grant fund. 

Reporter Carl Foster can be reached at cfoster@dailyinterlake.com.