As presently structured, the Montana CDBG program has three components - housing, economic development and public facilities. Typical eligible activities include the rehabilitation of existing housing units, providing infrastructure for the construction of new affordable housing or directly constructing new affordable housing under the sponsorship of a nonprofit organization. The ESG program is designed to help improve the quality of existing emergency shelters for the homeless, make available additional shelters, meet the costs of operating shelters, and provide essential social services to help prevent homelessness. There is a continuing need for a diversity in the type, density and location of housing within the County and its cities while protecting the public health, safety, and quality of life. Not all county residents can afford market rate housing.
All residents deserve to have the opportunity to obtain safe, sanitary and affordable housing.
In siting housing, the County should consider the locational needs of various types of housing with regard to proximity of employment and access to transportation and services. Policy 1.3 Affordable housing should be dispersed so as not isolate these housing types. The County should participate in periodic analyses to determine immediate and long range affordable housing needs in each planning area. The County should promote innovative housing programs to reduce dependency on subsidized housing. Policy 1.6 Group homes, foster care facilities and facilities for other special populations, should be equitably distributed throughout the county.