A Helena nonprofit risks losing a contract to purchase a hotel for an affordable housing project if it doesn’t reach its fundraising goal by the end of the week.
The United Way of Lewis and Clark Area announced last month its plans to purchase the Helena Inn, 2300 N. Oakes St., and renovate it into affordable housing for individuals, couples and families while also providing supportive services such as addiction recovery, mental health treatment and financial literacy.
The project intends to help address a portion of the city’s housing needs by creating high-quality, single-living studios and some family-sized apartments from the 48-unit hotel.
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The nonprofit’s officials had hoped that renovation of the hotel could begin as soon as possible, depending on building permits and fundraising, with people able to move in this fall. Now, United Way will lose its contract with the hotel if it doesn’t pay the $50,000 earnest money deposit by Friday, April 12, United Way Director Emily McVey told Montana Free Press.
“We do not have significant amounts of money sitting around at the United Way to use for projects like this,” McVey said. “Much like many other nonprofits, we struggled to raise money during COVID, and the money we did raise we put right back out into the community.”
So far, United Way has raised $5,000, with another donor pledging to match $25,000 for the deposit. Overall, the purchase and renovations of the hotel are estimated to cost $5 million.
“We do not have significant amounts of money sitting around at the United Way to use for projects like this.”
Emily McVey, United Way director
United Way’s effort to add affordable housing in the community is part of its housing first capital campaign that centers around the permanent supportive housing model. The model works by combining property management, housing and supportive services for low-income individuals and families to ensure their consistent growth and stability.
According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to Congress, Montana has experienced an increase in homelessness of 89% since 2007, one of the highest rates of growth in the country. For McVey, providing options for those facing housing insecurity in Helena is one of the nonprofit’s major goals.
“I know people are concerned that this building, more shelters, or transitional housing or permanent support housing will bring more people to our community,” McVey said. “We don’t have any concern about bringing more people to the community. We have a huge concern with housing the people that are currently here.”
Those seeking to donate can visit the United Way of Lewis and Clark Area’s website or contact the non-profit at (406)-442-4360.
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