BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana Housing Partnership recently held a conference to address the state’s affordable housing crisis. The event brought together housing professionals, developers, and advocates to discuss solutions.
Bill Cole highlighted the growing affordability gap in Montana. He stated that between 2018 and 2023, the median home sales price in Montana increased by about 90%, while median household income rose only 28%.
This surge in home prices has greatly affected the Crow Reservation, where infrastructure development struggles to meet the community’s needs.
“We’re faced with a very huge housing shortage. There is a huge waiting list that we’re dealing with people that need a roof over their head,” Cole said.
The Absolute North Housing Authority (ANHA) emphasized the overcrowding issue. They reported that up to 18 people might occupy a single home on the reservation.
“Being able to upkeep the home to the safety standards that HUD has is a big issue with that many people in one home,” ANHA stated.
Real Bird from ANHA explained that infrastructure development has been cut back due to funding issues. Projects funded by HUD have been impacted by factors like COVID-19, tariffs, and legislation restricting the purchase of imported goods.
Bird said the lack of infrastructure has forced some residents to leave the reservation for places like Billings, where they often end up homeless.
“It’s not just housing. It’s housing tied to the economy, tied to the environment, tied to the land,” Bird added.