Address & Phone
1535 Liberty Lane, Suite 116A
Missoula, MT 59808
406.532.4663
Primary Contact
Julie Pavlish
[email protected]
www.homeword.org
Services
Homebuyer Education
Homebuyer Counseling
Financial Literacy Education
Financial Coaching
Rental Counseling
Counties
Missoula
Ravalli
Mineral
Organization Description
Homeword uses sustainable methods to provide safe, healthy homes people can afford and strengthens community through housing counseling and education for those in need.
Historically the demand for homes Montanans can afford to rent or buy has exceeded the supply. Wages in the state are low while the cost of living remains high. In the current housing market of low supply and high demand, renters and homeowners alike find themselves especially challenged by issues of housing affordability.
Homeword recognizes these very real problems and seeks to address them with ecologically sound and socially responsible solutions. It all begins with our core belief—the simple notion that we cannot build for the future by destroying the environment today. We provide high-quality, sustainably-built homes that our residents are proud to live in and that the community as a whole is proud to support. We also teach financial literacy and renter workshops, as well as provide homebuyer education and counseling, as the first steps towards self-empowerment and self-sufficiency. This holistic approach continues to prove successful for us, our communities, and, most importantly, for those in need.
Homebuyer Education Classes
Classes are nine hours and open to the public. They are offered monthly and run either three consecutive evenings from 6:00 – 9:00 pm or all day Saturday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, depending on the month. Refreshments are provided. Check the calendar for upcoming classes.
Registration and Payment
Registration: Advanced registration is required. Please register online at www.homeword.org or call 406.532.4663 x10 for more information.
The class is $35 per person. Payment is due at the time of registration and registration fees are nonrefundable.
Vouchers are available for free offsite childcare during class. Please call (406) 532-4663 if you are interested in childcare vouchers.
You are responsible to re-schedule any classes missed. Classes fill up quickly so be sure to call ahead to re-schedule.
Homeword is firmly committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation. Please call (406) 532-4663 to request accommodation or to obtain materials in an alternate format, or dial 711 (TTY).
2024 Class Schedule
Location: If listed as in-person they will be held at 1535 Liberty Lane)
To register: homeword.org/homebuyer-education
Questions? Please call (406) 532-4663
- September 24-25-26, 6pm – 9pm Live virtual class
- November 19-21, 6pm – 9pm Live virtual class
- December 7, 9am – 6pm IN-PERSON
Financial Education & Coaching
Want to take control of your money? Our free Financial Literacy class will teach you how including:
- Building a budget that works for you
- Saving for future goals and emergencies
- Managing/rebuilding your credit
- Avoiding financial pitfalls and consumer traps
- Learn investing terms and strategies
- Understanding taxes and insurance
The class material has been developed based on national curriculums from FDIC and NeighborWorks America. Classes are taught by a certified financial counselor and other professionals in the community who volunteer their time by providing expert instruction on a range of financial topics.
These classes are free and open to the public. Registration online at www.homeword.org.
Homeword is firmly committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation. Please call (406) 532-4663 to request accommodation or to obtain materials in an alternate format, or dial 711 (TTY).
Financial Coaching
Create an action plan to take control of your money, get out of debt, build your savings, and make wise decisions with your money.
To schedule an appointment, please contact Katie Sadowski at (406) 532-4663 x23 or [email protected].
2024 Financial Education Schedule
Location: all classes are virtual until further notice
To register: homeword.org/financial-skills
Questions? Please call (406) 532-4663
- October 1-3; 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm ONLINE
- December 10-12; 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm ONLINE
You have two options for online homebuyer education: eHome America or Framework. While online education cannot replace the experience of an in-person class, both eHome America and Framework classes provide a comprehensive education on the homebuying journey.
In order to receive your homebuyer education class certificate of completion you will need to complete a one-on-one appointment with one of our HUD-certified housing counselors. This appointment can be done in person or over the phone and can generally be made to fit your schedule.
The content and topics are the same for both classes, but the delivery styles differ slightly. Feel free to choose the class that suits your learning style best. Both classes are HUD- certified, and both have adopted NeighborWorks America’s National Industry Standards.
eHome is “more like an electronic textbook”, said one user. eHome has short videos that introduce concepts followed by text that further expand those concepts.
Class Costs $99
Framework is more like a storybook, following the homebuying journey of a prospective first-time homebuyer. Content is very interactive.
Class Costs $75
If you still need advice on which course to take your lender may have a recommendation based on the loan products you are considering, or you may contact your local housing counselor for their perspective. Click HERE to find a counselor in your area.
Once you’ve registered and completed the course you will receive an email from Naomi Valentine at NeighborWorks Montana putting you in touch with the housing counselor in your area to complete your one-on-one counseling session.
Questions? – contact Naomi Valentine at (406) 604-4558 or by email at [email protected].