Habitat for Humanity Addresses Affordable Housing Crisis Public Comment from Rebecca Wilson with Habitat for HumanityAimee Brunckhorst
From: Rebecca Wilson <outreach@habitatflathead.org>
Sent: Monday, June 14, 2021 9:06 AM
To: Kalispell City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL Habitat for Humanity addresses affordable housing crisis
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Good afternoon Mayor Johnson and City Council Members,
Montana is in a housing crisis. Every Montanan is being affected by the sweeping increase of housing costs
and the lack of affordable housing in their area. Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley is providing
affordable and sustainable results. But we need continued partnership from our community. VOLUNTEERISM,
DONATIONS, and EDUCATION. Share our story and the story of how we can build together, united to make
affordable housing a reality for Montana.
For immediate release: June 14, 2021
Contact: Rebecca Wilson at 406-257-8800
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ADDRESSES AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS
KALISPELL, MONTANA—To Bob Helder, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley,
affordable housing means more than a home's price tag. It's how families' futures are affected by the cost of
land, availability of contractors and volunteers, the generosity of donors, adherence to state and local
regulations, as well as navigating an unpredictable economic landscape. Add to that a surge of new residents
settling in Kalispell over the past year, and you have a perfect storm.
"We build with volunteers," says Helder, noting, "During the first six months of this fiscal year, we were down
5,600 volunteer hours and hiring additional staff has become increasingly difficult due to unemployment and
the cost of housing. Furthermore, over the past year land costs have increased from $40,000 to $100,000 and
people are not donating properties as they were before. Without property, we cannot build."
Rebecca Wilson, community outreach coordinator, adds, "Rising prices have essentially doubled the cost to
build," citing price increases in lumber, labor, and other building materials. The organization's Lakeside
Affordable Housing project, underway since 2019, is delayed due to these constraints. The Creekside
subdivision will eventually include 5 Habitat homes— building a successful future for 7 adults and 13 children.
A single dad, Robert Zalewski works at Hedges Elementary and rents a home in Lakeside with his teenage son
and daughter. He has put over 1,000 hours of sweat equity into Habitat's Creekside development and hopes to
move into a new townhouse by fall. "When we started," Zalewski says, "we had a waiting list of volunteers,
but the pandemic shut everything down." He estimates home propane cost the family $1,500 last winter and
looks forward to a more energy efficient home, with heating bills closer to $200/year. "The outside is almost
complete. The siding is done, the roof is done, and the electric and HVAC guys have been in there. Things are
flying pretty fast now."
Habitat's volunteers are also returning, though Wilson says, "We're still in catch-up mode with our current
homes and there are many more families in need of affordable housing. Local families cannot afford the
current rental costs of $1,400-$2,400/month for a 2-bedroom apartment."
Habitat for Humanity's homebuying program helps not just Habitat families but the whole community,
according to Helder. "Research shows that kids from Habitat homes are 25 percent more likely to go to school,
vote, and own homes at an earlier age than their parents did." He continues, "A lot of people are just one
crisis away from devastation. We transform lives."
Zalewski agrees, "Habitat changed my life. I can't express in words what this home means to me. I'm going to
continue volunteering for the program after it's done. I love helping people, love to see a smile on someone's
face."
Habitat for Humanity welcomes community support. For information on the organization or to donate time,
materials, or money, contact Wilson at 406-257-8800 or outreach @habitatflathead.or.
Best Regards,
Rebecca Wilson
Community Outreach Coordinator
2535 Hwy 93 South
Kalispell, MT 59901
Office Phone: (406) 257-8800 ext 2
Cell Phone: (406) 363-6427
Email: outreach@habitatflathead.org
Website: www.habitatflathead.orq
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