Flathead Business Newsmakers
The Northwest Montana Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service (NMAR MLS) has donated $20,000 to the Samaritan House to be used as a “Helping Hand” fund. NMAR staff Erica Wirtala, President of the MLS Board Zac Andrews, MLS Board member Jeff Wilson, present a check to Executive Director of the Samaritan House Chris Krager and Associate Director of the Samaritan House Billy Greel.
NMAR makes donation to Samaritan House
The Northwest Montana Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service (NMAR MLS) has donated $20,000 to the Samaritan House to be used as a “Helping Hand” fund.
This fund specifically addresses one of the biggest obstacles that block people from getting into a rental apartment or house, which is the security deposit/first month/last month’s rent required to be paid upfront. This can sometimes be as high as $5,000 and can be unattainable for the average person to save.
People who have been living in the Samaritan House’s transitional units have two years to prepare for leaving and even with this advance notice, it can be difficult to amass this amount of money. The housing coordinator for the program can assess what is needed when a person or family is ready to move on and if there is a gap, fill it with funds from the Helping Hand. The new tenant can then repay the HH Fund at a low rate (and no interest). This ensures that when they are ready to move on, they will receive their security deposit back in full (provided no damage has been done to the unit), and they can put it to use for their next place. Repayment of the loan will also provide funds for the next person that needs a Helping Hand.