“We are a fast-moving, results-oriented force for housing affordability in Whitefish. As an independent non-profit, Housing Whitefish is built to deliver timely impact for families and make efficient use of dollars invested.”
~Daniel Sidder, Executive Director
The Problem
Housing affordability has been a growing issue in Whitefish. It has become increasing unattainable for our workforce to rent homes, let alone purchase them. The median home price hovers close to $1m and rental vacancy rates remain low, limiting options for renters.
The Numbers
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Close to 60% of all Whitefish workers commute to the community daily for work.
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It is estimated that 46% of local renters are cost burdened, paying over 30% of their income towards rent.
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73% of Whitefish employers that completed a 2023 survey said it was very difficult for their year-round employees to find housing in Whitefish.
The Solution
To improve housing affordability, we are focused on stabilizing the rental market by assisting tenants, increasing the housing supply by building new homes, and advocating for regulatory reform that will allow for more affordable units to be built. Combined, we believe these approaches will make housing more affordable in Whitefish.
FAQs
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Housing Whitefish is an independent 501©3 nonprofit organization. We partner with the city to advance housing priorities in our community. We also receive competitive grant funding from the city for our projects and programs.
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Housing Whitefish was formerly the Whitefish Area Land Trust, a nonprofit that was run by the Whitefish Housing Authority (WHA). In 2022, the Whitefish Area Land Trust was split out from the WHA and rebranded as Housing Whitefish with a separate board of directors and a new mission. Today, we partner with the WHA to advance housing affordability issues in our community. We are separate organizations that have separate boards, funding, and staff.
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Our funding comes from a variety of different sources. We have a funding agreement with Explore Whitefish where we receive 50% of the Community Support Fund restaurant collections, we receive grant funds from the City of Whitefish for our projects and programs, we receive donations from local businesses and individuals, we receive grants from local and regional foundations, and we apply for state funding for projects when applicable. Check out our 990 if you have more financial questions!