Heather Grenier
Livingston, like many communities across Montana, is facing an unprecedented housing crisis. From those seeking emergency shelter to families striving for homeownership, residents across the housing spectrum are finding it increasingly difficult to secure and maintain stable homes.
In Livingston specifically, the median price for a single-family home hovers around $600,000, and median rent across all forms of housing is upwards of $1,800 a month. Because of these high monthly costs, many homeowners and renters are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. This creates a precarious situation for many households, as even minor financial setbacks—such as a car repair, medical bill, or unexpected expense—can quickly spiral into a housing crisis.
Every day, we work with individuals who are struggling to afford their rent and longtime residents who are now on the brink of losing the home they’ve lived in for years. The struggle to find and keep stable, attainable housing is real, and it is growing.
Our work supports housing stability at every stage of the housing spectrum. Through our income support services, we help community members navigate financial challenges that could otherwise spiral into housing insecurity or homelessness. From assisting with utility payments to connecting individuals with food and nutrition resources, we focus on preventing crises before they escalate.
In addition to our income support services, our housing services cover the entire continuum of community housing needs—from providing emergency shelter on 2nd Street in Livingston to developing and preserving housing that those who live and work in our community can afford. Whether providing immediate relief or working on long-term solutions, we constantly seek ways to keep people in their homes, even as the housing market prices out many residents.
We are also committed to building capacity and partnerships in the community. Our work through the Park County Housing Coalition is vital to ensuring that more local resources are available and more tools are developed to address the ongoing housing crisis. Through these efforts, we advocate for solutions to help more people secure and maintain stable housing in Livingston.
While we wish we could address every aspect of the housing crisis and support everyone in need, we acknowledge that the resources required to tackle this widespread issue are not yet fully available. The housing crisis is a complex challenge affecting many communities beyond Livingston, influenced by a range of factors including economic pressures and policy gaps. Despite these challenges, HRDC remains steadfast in our commitment to finding effective solutions and pushing forward. We will continue to do everything within our power to support our community and navigate this difficult path.
Housing is fundamental to the well-being of our community. We believe everyone deserves a safe, warm place to call home, and we will keep working tirelessly to make that vision a reality. As we continue to navigate these challenges, we are grateful for the Livingston community’s support and the partnerships that make this work possible.
