| Homeword Newsletter
March 12, 2025 |
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Executive Director Insight - Adapting to Change and Moving Forward |
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 application. Read on in this newsletter for more information. |
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Sustainable Communities Benefit Raises Over $110K |
It was another fantastic year for our annual Sustainable Communities Benefit Luncheon. With over 230 guests, 24 volunteer table hosts and five inspiring speakers, we came together to celebrate our impact and look toward the future. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we raised over $110,000 in crucial unrestricted funds to further our mission.
At the event, we premiered a video about a family’s success buying a home after participating in our HomeOwnership Center programs, a powerful example of how your donations and our programs change lives. Our executive director also hosted a conversation with a resident at one of our properties, who talked about his time in the military and the importance and vibrancy of the community that he and his neighbors have built.
We are incredibly grateful to our partners, sponsors and volunteers—your dedication strengthens Montana communities, expands housing opportunities and provides accessible financial education. Thank you for making this work possible! |
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New Billings Development to Leverage Innovative Construction Method |
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.
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Taina's Resident Success Story |
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. In 2009, Taina followed her youngest daughter to Missoula. They rented a place together for a short period of time and attended the University of Montana, where Taina earned her degree in education. “I rented with my best friend for three years after that,” she said, “but then I had to go down to Texas to take care of my elderly parents.”
After her parents passed away, Taina decided to return to Missoula. Her youngest daughter had settled on a small farm in Florence, her other two grown-up daughters were living in the San Francisco area and her former roommate had fallen ill and moved in with her sister in Spokane. With no close friends or family left in town to share housing costs, Taina was on her own. |
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Now Accepting Board Member Applications
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Do you support our mission to strengthen Montana communities through education and homes people can afford? We are currently seeking a passionate, committed and visionary person to join our board of directors and particularly encourage those with backgrounds in fundraising, financial planning or accounting/CPA work to apply! Applications are due March 26. Please visit our website for details. |
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Unlock Your Next Step With Free One-on-One Counseling
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If you’ve already taken the big step of attending one of our homebuyer or financial skill building classes, let’s build on that progress! As a past participant, you have access to free one-on-one counseling sessions to help you navigate your next financial or housing milestone.
Whether you’re working on a budget, tackling credit goals or planning to buy a home, our counselors are here to provide personalized guidance tailored to your needs.
Don’t let questions or challenges hold you back. Book your session today and keep moving toward your goals! |
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Welcome to Our New Financial Educator
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We’re thrilled to introduce Chelsea Nichols, our new financial educator! In this role, she provides Financial Skill Building classes and one-on-one counseling, helping people across Montana gain the knowledge and confidence to plan for their financial futures. With experience in customer service and medical billing, she brings a unique perspective to the position. As a mother, she also understands some of the financial challenges of raising a family in Montana—fueling her passion for Homeword’s mission.
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We offer a full range of services to help you get ready to buy a home, learn how to avoid foreclosure or manage your money better so you can reach your financial goals. |
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Do you have a great experience as a Homeword resident or class participant that you'd like to share? We want to hear from you!
Share your story and be entered to win a $100 gift certificate for Home ReSource.
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Homeword in the Headlines
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Special Thanks to Our Generous Partners |
Upcoming Events and Classes
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Homeword uses sustainable methods to strengthen Montana communities by teaching homebuyer education and financial skill building and creating safe, healthy homes people can afford. |
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20,500+
Montanans empowered through our Regional HomeOwnership Center |
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1,621
Safe, healthy homes Montanans can afford |
| 1,000+ Program participants empowered last year |
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Our Contact Information
Homeword
1535 Liberty Lane, Suite 116A
Missoula, MT 59808
(406) 532-4663
http://www.homeword.org
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