First Interstate, Federal Home Loan Bank awards Samaritan House $8,600

Samaritan House received an $8,600 donation this month from First Interstate Bank and Federal Home Bank of Des Moines.

The money will help fund day-to-day operations of the facility’s homeless shelter and transitional living program, according to Executive Director Cassidy Kipp.  

“$8,600 goes a long way when you’re generally pretty frugal with how resources are applied,” she said. “It’s over half our food budget for a year, is just one way to look at it.” 

The nonprofit spends $13,000 annually on over 800 meals a month.  

The funding came through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines’ Member Impact Fund. Launched in 2023, the program matches contributions to increase charitable giving and support partnerships between member banks and nonprofits focused on affordable housing.  

First Interstate Bank contributed $200,000 through the program, which was matched to help award a combined $718,750 to 35 nonprofits across Montana.  

“First Interstate has been a great advocate for us,” Kipp said. “We are incredibly grateful for First Interstate recognizing the value that we bring to the community and therefore giving back and supporting us in that effort.”  

Habitat for Humanity, Flathead Food Bank, and Northwest Montana Land Trust also received funding.  

Federal Home Loan Bank has also put $900,000 toward Samaritan House’s multi-million-dollar expansion that is currently underway. The project is expected to nearly double the facility’s capacity, allowing it to serve 85 more people.  

Construction is rolling on the income-based two- and three-bedroom apartments, according to Kipp. Housing units for homeless veterans and overflow for the shelter are also part of the expansion.   

Kipp has been settling into the leadership role since taking the position in March. She was selected after the board of directors removed former executive director Chris Krager in December.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or junderhill@dailyinterlake.com. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.