Community members who wish to help solve Whitefish’s affordable housing crisis are encouraged to take part in Habitat for Humanity’s Grounded in Whitefish campaign. 

The effort aims to raise $20 million to build 10 homes a year for the next 10 years for Whitefish’s workforce. 

The campaign is becoming reality through support from volunteers and collaboration from city government, philanthropists and donors who give financial resources as well as in-kind contributions.  

An open house held at the O’Shaughnessy Center last week detailed how people can apply to own a home or volunteer to build.  

For Grounded in Whitefish, at least one member of the home must work 30-plus weekly hours in Whitefish to apply.  

MaryBeth Morand, executive director of Habitat Flathead, said that’s because the core of the campaign is about making the community stronger.  

“Sweat equity” or volunteer hours are crucial. Selected applicants are required to help build homes or volunteer in the Habitat Store on a weekly basis until their home is completed. 

Applicants with a demonstrated need for better housing, such as being rent burdened, in unstable or temporary housing, or being a first-time homebuyer, are prioritized.  

Morand described applicants as potential partners. It’s important that those selected can pay their mortgages, she explained.  

Gross household income must be within 30% and 80% of area median income, or $21,350-$56,850 for one person. Applicants must have reasonable credit of at least 660, have a low debt to income ratio of less than 12%, and be willing to save a minimum of $3500 up to 1% of the sale price.  

Anyone who passes income and debt qualifications is invited in for an interview to determine the applicant's job stability and sweat equity abilities.  

From there the selection process is blind. Names are removed as Habitat board and staff members make selections. 

Currently, there is about one house available for every 10 applicants across the valley, Morand said.  

“The way we make that better is to build more houses. But just because you didn’t get it on the first [application] doesn’t mean you won’t on the second or third,” she said. 

After selection, a mentorship program will help people navigate owning a home. Volunteers assist new homeowners with a range of things, from mortgage documents, to unscrewing hoses in the winter, to fitting in with the neighborhood.  

Families, single and older adults are all welcome to apply. After closing on the homes, what happens with homeowner's salaries or relationships is their business. However, homes must be owner occupied. No rentals are allowed.  

Property taxes are bundled in a projection of affordable mortgage rates.  

For example: A 2-bedroom $380,000 home for two people with a combined income of $64,000 and no debt comes out to $1,390 total monthly costs. A 2% 30-year loan from Montana Board of Housing paired with 0% interest loans from NeighborWorks Montana and Habitat Flathead brings costs down.  

Homeowners who sell their homes will receive 25% back, including appreciation. First rights go to Northwest Montana Community Land Trust to ensure the home remains an affordable home for future owners.  

VOLUNTEERS are the heart and soul of Habitat, Morand said.  

“That’s what makes these houses affordable,” she said.  

“Mary Beth is very ambitious,” said volunteer crew leader Don Scharfe. “I’m looking at everybody -- we need flippin’ help. 

“It’s a great crew. You don’t have to come with experience. You just have to want to learn,” he said.  

All abilities are needed for volunteer home buildings. Days are flexible – if you can’t make it in some days, that’s OK. Half days are OK too. No tools are needed. Lunch is provided most of the time.  

Looking to the future, Grounded in Whitefish will break ground on two townhomes on Whitefish Avenue as early as August. The property was purchased by the city of Whitefish using resort tax funds and made possible by a generous price from the sellers. Five townhomes will be built at 345 Spokane Avenue soon as well thanks to a land donation from the Goguen family.  

These will be the first Habitat homes to break ground in Whitefish in about 15 years.  

OTHER reflections at the open house last week touched on more solutions.  

Missing middle housing goes beyond 80% median income, Morand said.   

Residents that are just over the income cap are encouraged to look at applying for a Northwest Montana Community Land Trust home.  

Meanwhile, Habitat Flathead is looking at other sources of mortgages and are looking at the possibility of a parallel program that could allow for opportunities beyond that 80% cap, Morand said.  

One way that could be possible is through collaboration with private builders, like in the recently announced 96-home neighborhood called Birchwood in Kalispell.  

“Habitat can develop the property less expensively, so that private sector builders can afford to build affordably,” Morand said.  

City Councilor Ben Davis noted that single family ownership opportunities are exceedingly difficult. He said he sees this campaign as the best shot to fill that need. 

“We owe it to ourselves and our neighbors to try to make this work,” he said.  

To learn more about how to apply for homeownership and to sign up to volunteer, see habitatflathead.org. 

Editor Kelsey Evans can be reached at 406-862-3505 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at whitefishpilot.com/support.

    At the Whitefish Habitat for Humanity open house last week, people voted for this design to built at 345 Spokane Ave.