Housing Resource Center Opens in Billings, Montana

On July 29, 2015, the city of Billings celebrated the grand opening of the Home Center (www.nwmt.org/billings-home-center). It is a one-stop community housing resource center. This facility is designed to be a comprehensive informational hub for families and individuals trying to locate an affordable rental unit or a house to purchase.

Billings Mayor Tom Hanel addresses audience

Housing counselors will offer homebuyer education and individual home ownership planning services for residents of the Billings area. Additionally, the center will serve as a centralized place for homeowners to learn about ways to improve their home or for those who are facing foreclosure.

The Home Center is a collaborative effort between the city of Billings, the Human Resources Development Council, NeighborWorks Montana, the Housing Authority of Billings, and several other state and local partners.

According to Sheila Rice, NeighborWorks Executive Director, "this was truly a group effort that brings everything together under one roof to provide better service."

Billings Mayor Tom Hanel and representatives from Montana's congressional delegation commended the effort and stressed that the center would be a tremendous asset for the state's largest city.

Major contributors to the center include several banks and lenders both in Billings and across the region. Future Home Center plans include looking for ways to improve local neighborhoods by removing blight and renovating existing housing stock.

Furthermore, the center will examine ways to affirmatively further fair housing and strive to build strong neighborhoods throughout the community. The Home Center is located at 3124 1st Avenue South.

Contact the Home Center (www.nwmt.org/billings-home-center).

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