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13 Ways to Get FREE Montana Rent Assistance

13 Ways to Get FREE Montana Rent Assistance

We’ve found free Montana rent assistance programs all around the state! If you need help with your housing costs, then you’ve come to the right place.

Statewide Montana Rent Assistance Programs

There are many programs that have been rolled out statewide to help people with their housing costs. Wherever you are in Montana, these programs should be able to help you.

Montana Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The Montana Emergency Rental Assistance Program was created in response to the financial hardships imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households can receive up to $2,500 in assistance through this program!

What does the program offer?

This program assists with past due rent, current rent and future rent. It also assists with past-due utilities, current utilities and future utilities. you can receive up to 15 months worth of assistance from this program, which is absolutely incredible!

Who is eligible for this program?

In order to be eligible for this program, you must meet all three of the following requirements:

  • At least one member of your household must have qualified for unemployment benefits OR experienced a reduction in income OR incurred significant costs OR experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the pandemic.
  • At least one member of your household must be at risk of homelessness or housing instability. This can include a past due rent notice, eviction notice, past due utility, utility disconnect notice or even unsafe or unhealthy living conditions such as overcrowding.
  • You must have an income that does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income.

How do I apply for the Montana Emergency Rental Assistance Program?

You can apply online via the official Montana application website. Be prepared to provide your email address, income documentation, lease agreement, demonstration of need and landlord information to complete the application.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army often provides rent assistance but you will need to contact your local chapter for details on their specific programs.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

Most of the Montana rent assistance programs we investigated turned out to be agencies that help coordinate Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. That’s both helpful and unhelpful, because Section 8 is a long-term program that requires preapproval. Most of the time there’s a wait list involved and that means you won’t be able to get help right away. However, it is an excellent long-term goal to get Section 8 because it can drastically reduce the amount of rent you must pay out of pocket. Apply now but don’t expect it to provide emergency assistance for your family.

VA Supported Housing (VASH)

Veterans may be able to receive rental assistance vouchers through the VA Supported Housing (VASH) program. You will need to reach out to the Montana Veterans Affairs Division in Billings for details.

Nationwide Rental Assistance Programs

There are some programs that provide assistance with rent all over the United States! For even more ways to get help with your rent, check this list!

Local Montana Rent Assistance Programs

Some rent assistance programs are limited to people in certain cities or counties. In some cases, they may be limited to people who live in even smaller geographic boundaries. You’ll have to contact the organization to find out who they serve.

While you’re here, don’t forget to check out our other freebies and deals for Montana residents!

Billings

Billings Family Service

This organization may be able to help you catch up on rent if you have an eviction notice. Their funding is limited and you will be expected to contribute toward the overall cost. If you are eligible for Section 8, they may also be able to help you with one-time assistance toward a security deposit.

Butte

Action Inc.

If you are homeless or at risk of experiencing homelessness, Action Inc. may be able to help you pay your rent. You must visit the location or call their office for assistance.

Crow Agency

Apsaalooke Nation Housing Authority

The people of the Crow Reservation may be able to receive assistance with their rent through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program administered by this agency.

Helena

God’s Love Inc.

This organization provides a shelter as well as meals, clothing, hygiene products and financial assistance. I assume that the financial assistance listed on their website can be used as rent, but you will need to contact them for more information.

Good Samaritan Ministries

Good Samaritan Ministries offers financial assistance with emergency needs, including auto repair, lodging, medical, dental, vision, job skills development, medications, phones, propane, bus passes, gas, utilities and more. They also offer rental assistance.

Kalispell

Neighbors in Need

This program, administered by the Cornerstone Kalispell Church, provides funds of last resort. You are expected to exhaust all other options before reaching out for assistance through this program.

Livingston

Friends of the Community Inc.

Friends of the Community provides many different programs that help local residents. They can assist with security deposits, furniture, household goods, gas to get to work, medications and more. It appears they may also help with Montana rent assistance.

Missoula

Hope Rescue Mission

The Hope Rescue Mission in Montana assists with rent if you are willing to let them advocate on your behalf. They may also be able to assist with gas vouchers, rental applications, deposits, bus tickets, utilities, camping supplies, auto repair, phones, showers, clothing, food and more!

Human Resource Council

The Human Resource Council may be able to assist with rent. This location serves District 11, which includes Missoula, Mineral and Ravalli Counties. They have an Emergency Housing Solutions Grant (ESG) that can assist with the first month’s rent, security deposits, and utility deposits. In order to be eligible, you must be literally homeless which means that you are camping, sleeping in a vehicle, staying in a shelter or staying in a hotel paid for by a charity. You may also be eligible if you are facing eviction.

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.