As the first point of contact for people struggling with housing-related challenges, Shannon Root lends a listening ear, an empathic heart and a plethora of resources.  

Root joined Housing Whitefish as the new program coordinator in August. She describes her role as "the connecting piece." She connects to people seeking housing assistance, answering questions and helping with applications.  

Root joins executive director Daniel Sidder, effectively doubling Housing Whitefish's staff from one to two. The new role was created to respond to growth in the organization, its programs and the number of people it serves.  

"I think a lot of people just want to be heard, especially with housing, because it's such a stressful and unconformable position to be in," Root said. "And you want to know that someone is on the other line, and they're not just going to say, 'Sorry, there's nothing I can do for you.' I'm saying, 'I hear you. Let's see if we can figure this out.'" 

A Minnesota native, Root graduated from Flathead High School and Flathead Valley Community College. She's worked in early childhood education since 2011 and has three young kids.  

Root said her background has made her an adaptable person.  

When she saw the program coordinator job posting, she knew, "This is what I want to do. I want to challenge myself and work for a greater cause," she said. 

In her new job, Root hopes to become a familiar face so that people will refer those who need help to her. 

"I want to be that friendly, warm person," Root said. "I want to hear what you're going through, and if I can't help you, I have the resources and referrals to point you in the direction of where you can get help." 

A core part of Root's job is managing applications for Whitefish Rental Units and for the Workplace Rental Assistance Program.  

Whitefish just gained 12 new deed-restricted rental units at the Alpine 93/40 development, and Root is helping screen people's incomes for the units.  

Once fully complete, the apartment community at the intersection of U.S. Highway 93 and Montana 40 will have 21 of its 210 units dedicated as workforce rental units. The units were built under the city of Whitefish's Legacy Homes Program, a voluntary program that provides incentives to developers for building 10% affordable units.  

Root is also expected to maintain a waitlist for the units. She encourages anyone who is struggling financially to consider reaching out to her and/or applying to either Housing Whitefish program, regardless of the eligibility requirements.  

The application process begins with a low barrier pre-screening form which can be found at www.housingwhitefish.org under 'programs."  

A common question Root gets is about the Whitefish Housing Authority.  

Housing Whitefish was formerly the Whitefish Area Land Trust, a nonprofit that was run by the Whitefish Housing Authority (WHA). In 2022, the Whitefish Area Land Trust was split from the WHA and renamed Housing Whitefish.  

As a 501c3, Housing Whitefish offers locally-sourced programs, resources and builds community partnerships, while Whitefish Housing Authority manages federal programs including Section 8 and operating public housing such as Mountain View Manor. 

Root affirms Housing Whitefish is generally able to meet the needs of people who apply and meet the eligibility requirements. 

"At the end of the day, if I can help make someone's situation a little less stressful, while also being part of the bigger effort to keep Whitefish a place where Whitefish can thrive, that's really meaningful to me," she said.  

Root can be reached at [email protected] or 406-420-3213. 

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.