Living independently for the first time can be challenging for many young adults, but those involved in the foster care or justice system are especially vulnerable to homelessness, according to a new report. 

Young adults aging out of foster care often have no credit or rental history and limited finances, like many 18-year-olds looking for their first apartment, said Andrea Graham, a transitional living services worker with Missoula nonprofit Youth Homes. But the youth Graham works with are sometimes dealing with past trauma and limited adult support as they look for a job and housing, she said.

Incarceration, substance use, mental health issues and homelessness are inextricably intertwined, according to a new report from Missoula County and the Missoula-based housing nonprofit Homeword.

Three researchers from the University of Montana’s Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities — Dr. McKenzie Javorka, Dr. Elizabeth Sabbath and Dr. Kaitlin Fertaly — were commissioned to write the study, called "Just Home: Understanding cycles of Housing Instability and Justice Involvement in Missoula County."

Affordable housing nonprofit Homeword is working to bolster renovation efforts of the 10-story and six-story Sage and Fraser Towers that provide more than 100 affordable homes for Billings seniors and people with disabilities.

Sage Tower was built in 1974, followed by Fraser Tower in 1979. While they were both rehabilitated with the assistance of federal money in 2009 and 2006 respectively, renovations of the buildings are still needed to maintain long-term affordability.

The Just Home project in Missoula County, Montana, is part of a national program to advance community-driven efforts to address the intersection of housing instability and justice system involvement. With support from the MacArthur Foundation, the project is led by Homeword, Inc. and the Missoula County Community Justice Department. The initiative seeks to develop sustainable housing interventions that reduce incarceration and improve housing stability for populations at risk of being caught in cycles of homelessness and justice involvement.

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The historic Baatz Block Building in downtown Great Falls is nearing completion for a new purpose: fighting homelessness. The permanent supportive housing project is set to open its doors this summer.

Joee Taylor recently toured the site, located in a 1913 building, where a new type of home is being created for those without stable housing.

From Ogren Park, Homeword Executive Director Karissa offers a preview of our May newsletter content and invites the community to Housing Night, a special event in collaboration with Missoula’s PaddleHeads baseball team, Park Side Credit Union and other housing organizations.

At Homeword, we know that a safe, healthy, and energy-efficient home is the foundation for people to thrive. That’s why we’re making big investments in the long-term quality of our rent-restricted rental homes across Montana. When we take care of our buildings, we’re taking care of our residents.

In addition to transforming part of our office into a financial empowerment hub for Financial Educator Chelsea, we’ve launched four major property improvement projects that reflect our commitment to resident well-being and sustainable stewardship of our rental communities.

NeighborWorks Great Falls‘ permanent supportive housing project is nearing completion.

NWGF partnered with Homeword, out of Missoula, and local firm BSPARK Architecture to turn the Baatz building, built in 1913 at 400 2nd St. S. into permanent supportive housing units and a community services center on the main floor.

Sherrie Arey, NWGF director, said during a March event that they’re planning a grand opening for June.

The Missoula Paddleheads and local housing organizations are teaming up to raise money for housing efforts in the Garden City.

Homeword and Missoula Housing Authority are excited to announce Housing Night, an inaugural promotional night with the Missoula PaddleHeads in partnership with Park Side Credit Union on Thursday, July 17, 2025. 

Katie and Larry Neskey share about their family's transition from a farming lifestyle in St. Ignatius to a new life in Butte, Montana. After nine years of farming, they realized it was time for a change—something that would better support their family, especially their two children who have special medical needs.

Homeword, in collaboration with HomeFront, is bringing much-needed affordable housing to Billings with its latest development, LB Lofts. This innovative multi-family rental community will provide 101 safe, healthy and affordable homes for local residents. Utilizing a hybrid modular construction approach—combining modular components with traditional stick-built framing—LB Lofts is designed to deliver high-quality housing efficiently and sustainably.

Taina Curry devoted herself to raising three daughters as a single mother, doing whatever it took to provide for her family. It was a constant financial struggle. But even as her children reached adulthood, stability remained out of reach.

Executive Director Karissa is proud that Homeword is adapting to change and continuing to move forward, and she invites applications to our board of directors.

The housing stock in the Flathead Valley is increasing, but not enough yet to bring prices down.

Heading into the new year, the Flathead should see a healthier housing market, said Lakeside real estate agent David Fetveit. Construction costs have normalized from two years ago, but high interest rates continue to be the bane of the housing market.