Housing Whitefish Disburses First Payments for Whitefish Workforce Assistance Program
WHITEFISH, MT - April 4, 2024 - Housing Whitefish is pleased to announce the successful distribution of the first payments for the Whitefish Workforce Assistance Program. This initiative, aimed at supporting individuals and families facing housing affordability challenges in the Whitefish area, received 37 applications in this first round of applications.
Out of the 37 applications, 17 were approved for assistance. Applicants not approved either paid under 30% of their income towards rent, made over the area median income, or did not meet residency requirements for Whitefish.
Over the next 12 months, pending moves, lease terminations, and other factors, Housing Whitefish will disburse a total of $64,620, equating to $5,385 per month, towards supporting qualified applicants with their housing needs.
Some noteworthy insights gleaned from the application process include:
Average monthly payment is $317 and will be made directly to the landlord.
59% of applicants expressed they were at risk of moving from Flathead County due to lack of affordability or inability to pay rent.
14 single parents applied for assistance.
The average rent reported by applicants was $1,413.61; only 8 applicants had utilities included in the contract rent price.
Female applicants constituted 62% of the total applicant pool.
The average age of applicants was 36.
On average, applicants reported moving 1.5 times in the last 3 years.
Looking ahead, Housing Whitefish will hold three more application cycles this year, scheduled for June, September, and December. These additional cycles will further extend the reach of the program, allowing more individuals and families to apply. This program would not be possible without the funding and support from our partners, the City of Whitefish, the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, Explore Whitefish, the Foley Family Charitable Foundation, and other local businesses. More details about the program can be found here.