This month, we wanted to take the time to highlight the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust (NWMTCLT), a grantee of the Women's Foundation of Montana that is working to make stable housing and a reality for women in the Flathead Valley. 

The Land Trust's Story: 

Since 2012, the Land Trust has helped 94 families and individuals purchase homes. The Land Trust's goal is to create permanently affordable housing so families can focus on what really matters: their futures.

In a recent interview, a Land Trust homeowner and single mother explained, “CLT made it possible for me to put down roots in the community I love, where I work, play, and parent.”

How the WFM Grant Supports The Work:

Through a $30,000 from WFM, the Land Trust established a fund to help single mothers cover the down payment and closing costs associated with buying a home. This fund allows women to build a better future for themselves and their children through stable housing, creating consistency and security. Families no longer have to worry about rising rent costs or landlords selling their properties and they can finally build wealth in a permanent home. CLT has built partnerships with NeighborWorks Montana and Homeword; through their classes, prospective homeowners can learn about homeownership, the application process, and what to expect before submitting their application. 

When asked what the program supported by WFM’s grant has done for her family, one mom explained, “Beyond the financial help, it was incredibly meaningful to know there are organizations that believe in investing in women and families.” 

Personal Stories:

The Land Trust saw a need for stable and affordable housing so that individuals and families could build a future for themselves without the fear of not having a roof over their heads. The Land Trust's homeowners are 60% single women or single women with children. Many of these prospective buyers were worried about the extensive costs associated with homeownership in one of Montana’s fastest-growing and most expensive counties and didn't know if it would work out for them. 

Women who purchased homes said the Land Trust made an intimidating process feel a bit easier by showing them they weren’t alone and making sure they were well-prepared. “What I’ve learned through this journey is that there are people and programs in this community that genuinely want to help make homeownership possible,” one homeowner and single mother expressed.

Why It Matters: A WFM Perspective:

According to the Montana Regional MLS, the median cost of buying a home in 2026 in the Flathead Valley is a whopping $583,000 compared to the per capita income in the state being only $41,711 (Census, 2024). Closing costs can range from $8,000 to $10,000 depending on different factors like the cost of the home and additional fees. The hurdle of these costs can prevent families from making dreams of buying a home possible. 

Join the Movement:

The Land Trust creates possibilities beyond what many single mothers thought were possible for them and their children. You can help them continue their mission of creating permanently affordable housing through advocacy, volunteering, financial gifts, and sharing experiences by educating others. Your gift helps individuals and children have the space to grow and thrive in a stable environment. Consider donating your time, your experience, or your money to bring homeownership dreams to life for all Montanans. 

Contact NWMTCLT: 

https://www.nwmtclt.org/  

Phone: 406-261-8831 

Executive Director: Kim Morisaki, kim@nwmtclt.org  

Ways to support: https://www.nwmtclt.org/support