Business Buzz: Missoula Organization of Realtors has storm housing assistance fund (2024)

Here's some business news in the Missoula area:

The Missoula Organization of Realtors has announced that they can provide up to $2,000 in relief assistance for housing costs for Missoula County residents who were directly affected by the July 24 windstorm.

The National Association of Realtors and the Realtors Relief Foundation provided the Missoula Organization of Realtors with a $250,000 grant. If approved, households can use the money for mortgage expenses, rental costs and/or hotel reimbursem*nt. The financial assistance is for housing relief only and not for general debris clean-up.

Applicants will need to provide relevant documentation to support their request for assistance, such as proof of damage or financial need, including any other financial assistance already received.

All grants are contingent upon the availability of funds. As a result, aid will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The fund is available to U.S. citizens and legal residents who have been impacted by a disaster and need financial assistance for housing-related expenses. Ineligible items include second mortgages, clothing, appliances, equipment, vehicle costs or mileage.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 recently provided $3.4 million in funding to the Missoula Montana Airport's new terminal building, which is currently under construction.

According to U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, the 145,000-square foot terminal will reduce congestion and delays.

“With more people flying in and out of Missoula every day, this new terminal will have a big impact on the local economy and is critical to meet growing demand,” Tester said. “I’m proud to have secured this funding to make air travel in and out of Missoula safer, quicker, and more efficient, and I’ll continue working to ensure Montana’s airports have the resources they need to thrive.”

The new Kyiyo Mercantile on the east side of Glacier National Park in Kiowa held a ribbon-cutting on Aug. 6. Owner Will Hammerquist started the project to revitalize Kiowa Junction in 2021.

"Working with the Blackfeet Nation, the State of Montana and literally hundreds of Montanans from across our great state to rebuild Kiowa has been a true honor," Hammerquist said. "We look forward to providing Montanans and our guests a place to spend time with family in nature for decades to come."

Along with the mercantile, the campground has been revitalized as well and is now called Kiowa Frontier Yurts and Cabins.

Hammerquist, who also is the owner and proprietor of the Polebridge Mercantile, worked with Dick Anderson Construction and Freestone Development on the project.

"It is rare to find businessmen and developers that see the value in building community, environmental and global benefits into their projects," said Dustin de Yong, owner of Freestone Development. "The Kiowa Revitalization Project's focus was always to value what was here before us while providing opportunity for new life to thrive. Will Hammerquist is an astute businessman and operator, but at his core he is a steward of the lands within and around Glacier National Park and a friend to the communities that surround it."

The Kyiyo Mercantile building was made to mirror the historic Polebridge Mercantile building with the iconic Western facade and red and white exterior paint.

Hammerquist and de Yong said the Blackfeet Nation and their governing bodies provided support, guidance and resources throughout the process.

The nonprofit Bonneville Environmental Foundation has been awarded $43.7 million from the federal Environmental Protection Agency to create new or expand existing low-income solar programs in Montana. The funding is part of the $7 billion Solar for All program, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollution as well as deliver cost savings on electric bills for overburdened households. According to the EPA, the program in Montana will be utilized to help Tribal, low-income and disadvantaged communities across the state.

Council Groves Apartments, a nonprofit housing complex for low-income Missoula residents, recently implemented a pilot summer program for kids.

Using $5,000 in grant funds from the Montana Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Jerry Metcalf Foundation, Republic Services, Missoula Conservation District and Giving Art to Missoula, the nonprofit served 36 kids this year.

"According to groups like the Children and Nature Network, utilizing nature and art together can support the mental and emotional well-being of children in disadvantaged communities," said Council Groves grants coordinator Anna Burke.

She said she'd like to incorporate more career preparation elements into the program in the future, and expand the theme to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

To get involved or for more information about the program, contact Burke at aburke@tamarackpm.com.