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WORD
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THE
HISTORY OF homeWORD
homeWORD began as a project
of WORD (Women’s Opportunity and Resource Development, Inc.)
in 1994. In 1998, homeWORD became its own 501(c)(3) with its own
Board of Directors. It formed as a response to the community need
for affordable housing and aimed to provide meaningful economic
change in lower income families’ lives. Mirroring national
trends in the early 1990s, residents of Missoula, Montana, witnessed
skyrocketing housing prices and stagnant wages. From 1990 – 2000,
Missoula housing prices more than doubled while wages increased
a mere 2%.
It was evident that the housing crisis needed to be addressed. Community members
convened to assess what the non-profit community could do. WORD, with its years
of experience serving lower income families through innovative programming,
was a key participant in these meetings. The community discussions yielded
a commitment to develop five Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs),
one of which would be housed at WORD, and which eventually became homeWORD.
After 15 years of operation, homeWORD is a well-established, regionally and
nationally recognized affordable housing developer. As of 2009, homeWORD has
completed 9 projects totaling 128 units in Missoula and Billings, and in each
project has modeled innovative design and development. homeWORD’s budget
has grown from $15,000 and two part-time employees to over $500,000 and 11
employees. homeWORD is a first in the state on many fronts, introducing the
state to strawbale homes, land trusts, and community-based decision-making
through charrettes.
homeWORD now operates two homeownership centers in Missoula and Billings to
promote homeownership and financial education to lower income families. Through
all of this growth, homeWORD has remained deeply committed to its mission of
providing housing and housing services to those most in need, with an overlay
of sustainable, energy-efficient, and pleasing, community-driven design.
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