HRDC reports success in project aimed at combating chronic homelessness
BOZEMAN, Mont. — HRDC Housing First Village is a home for those who didn’t have one. Feb. 1 marks the third month of tenancy for the Bozeman project.
“Our project is meant to help give people a hand up more than a handout,” Habitat for Humanity development coordinator Gale Heide said.
HRDC tenancy supportive services coordinator Devon Sanders says that plan is working.
“We have one tenant (who) got a managerial job over at McDonald’s that he's been working at and doing really well at,” Sanders said.
To help give people that second chance, they worked with the Corporation for Supportive Housing.
“We use their FUSE List model -- which is the frequent user system engagement model -- and identified folks who are frequently using emergency systems rather than, you know, being able to access preventative care and things like that,” Sanders said.
HRDC says the homes measure between 145 and 300 square feet and include a small kitchen, bathroom and built-in beds.
Each one costs roughly $60,000 to build, and the tenant’s rent does not exceed 30% of their income, but it varies based on each person’s situation.
“Really helping get folks who have been experiencing chronic homelessness and just need that little bit of extra support off the streets and into their homes,” Sanders said.
The 12 homes were just the beginning. Progress is being made on building seven more.
“Most of the people that are going to live in the houses are going to be part of the workforce here in the Gallatin Valley. So we're excited to get them to a place where they can start contributing,” Heide said.
