NeighborWorks Montana and Whitefish Community Foundation are thrilled to announce that $164,085 has been raised for relocation assistance funds for the residents of Spring Creek Mobile Park who were given an eviction date of March 2025. This generous outpouring of support has surpassed their original goal of $145,000 thanks to over 50 donors.
“We feel fortunate to have the systems, expertise, and donor support in place to react quickly and help nonprofits like NeighborWorks Montana address local emergencies,” says Alan Davis President and CEO of Whitefish Community Foundation. “We are thankful for everyone’s quick action and generosity.” Significant donations included a $45,000 Emergency Response Grant from Whitefish Community Foundation, a $50,000 donation from Mike & Jamie Goguen, a $7,000 social justice grant from the Montana Community Foundation, and a $50,000 contribution from an anonymous Flathead Valley donor.
To date, nearly $25,000 has been deployed to assist seven of the 26 displaced families. The allocation of funds includes:
- Deposits for rent on apartments and manufactured housing
- Payment for septic systems and hookups for manufactured homes on private property
- Assistance with purchasing new manufactured homes
- Coverage for earnest money and home inspections
The relocation process has presented numerous challenges, with a lack of affordable housing options in the Flathead and statewide. This has caused some families to consider relocating out of state in an attempt to find a more affordable place to live. The difficulty in finding suitable housing locally is compounded by the need to stay within a reasonable distance of their current employers and the potential disruption to their children’s education.
The goal of this initiative is to provide immediate relief and ensure that all displaced families have access to safe and stable housing. By filling the gap between existing social services and the residents’ needs, NeighborWorks Montana and Whitefish Community Foundation aim to offer families the support they need to make informed decisions about their next steps by allocating $5,000 to each household.
“We are deeply grateful to all the donors who have made this support possible,” said Danielle Maiden, Cooperative Housing Director of NeighborWorks Montana. “Your generosity is making a profound difference in the lives of these families. Our focus now is to continue helping residents navigate this challenging transition.”
NeighborWorks Montana and Whitefish Community Foundation are committed to assisting the residents of Spring Creek Mobile Park and will continue to work closely with them as the relocation process continues through March 2025.