A significant setback has occurred in the planned expansion of the Samaritan House, a homeless shelter and transitional living facility in Kalispell, Montana. The organization was anticipating a $4.3 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to facilitate its expansion project. However, communication has ceased from the federal agency, leaving the funding in question.
The Samaritan House is currently progressing with a $16.9 million project aimed at nearly doubling its capacity, enabling it to serve an additional 85 individuals. To date, $12 million has been secured through donations, fundraisers, and federal grants. The contested $4.3 million, sourced from HUD’s Continuum of Care grant program, was intended to bridge the remaining funding gap. This program aims to foster a comprehensive approach to ending homelessness nationwide.
Concerns have arisen regarding the potential impact of staffing reductions within the Trump administration on this communication lapse. The lack of response from HUD has led to uncertainty about securing the essential funds. Despite this, the Samaritan House remains committed to its expansion plans, which include 18 family-style housing units and a building dedicated to homeless veterans. Notably, Kalispell currently lacks designated housing for these veterans.
Chris Krager, the executive director of Samaritan House, has indicated that while the project’s initial design and timeline remain unaffected, strategic adjustments are necessary. He announced a shift from the planned three-phase construction to a four-phase approach, delaying the community center’s development to adapt to the financial situation. The construction is slated to begin following the Department of Environmental Quality’s cleanup at the former Army Reserve Armory site.
Meanwhile, the Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority on the Flathead Reservation also faces challenges in securing $7 million from the same federal grant program for a separate housing project. Despite submitting an application for permanent supportive housing, no awards have been announced. Past grants from the Continuum of Care program were typically restricted to operational costs rather than construction, adding to the complexity of the situation.
The Bottom Line
The uncertainty surrounding the HUD grant significantly impacts the Samaritan House’s expansion efforts and broader initiatives to address homelessness in the region. The lapse in communication from the federal agency exemplifies potential vulnerabilities in funding mechanisms that support critical social services.
The ongoing delays not only affect the current capacity to serve the homeless population but also challenge the strategic planning of entities relying on federal support. For communities like Kalispell, this situation underscores the importance of diversified funding sources and adaptive project management to sustain essential programs in the face of federal funding unpredictability.