Big Mountain Workforce Rental Assistance Program

Big Mountain WRAP

Big Mountain WRAP helps people who work in the Big Mountain Resort Area afford a place to live. It's funded through private funding and the Big Mountain Resort Area District's resort tax, which set aside revenue for workforce housing alongside its other priorities like fire and emergency services. The goal is simple: the resort depends on the people who staff it, lift it, feed it, and keep it running through ski season and summer alike, and this program helps make sure those workers can afford to stay in the area long enough to do that job well, season after season.

This program provides monthly rental assistance paid directly to your landlord or property manager. It is not emergency housing assistance, a utility payment program, or relocation support.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Not sure this is the right program for you?

Housing Whitefish runs two similarly named rental assistance programs, and the difference comes down to geography. If you live in Whitefish's 59937 zip code, you likely want our original Workforce Rental Assistance Program instead — that one is anchored to where you live. Big Mountain Resort WRAP is anchored to where you work: you qualify based on your job at the resort or a Big Mountain Resort Area business, no matter where in the region you live. If you're not sure which applies to you, reach out and we'll point you to the right one.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Work for an employer located within the Big Mountain Resort Area District — this includes Whitefish Mountain Resort itself and the businesses, lodging, and services within the district. 

2. No residency requirement. Unlike our original WRAP program, you do not need to live in any specific zip code. You can live anywhere as long as your job is within the Big Mountain Resort Area.

3. Work requirements: Work on average 32 hours a week, or the seasonal equivalent across a typical resort season, at a job within the Big Mountain Resort Area District.

   1. New hires are welcome to apply before their first paycheck — see documentation below.

   2. Seasonal and full-time positions both qualify.

4. Make under 100% of Area Median Income (AMI). Please use gross income (before taxes).

5. Pay more than 30% of gross income towards rent and utilities

6. Before applying, have the following ready to upload:

   1. A pay stub from your current job, or a signed offer/hire letter if you haven't started yet or don't have a pay stub yet.

   2. Copy of your lease agreement.

   3. Landlord or property manager contact information.

   4. Tax return/W-2 documentation 

Funding Policies

• Funds can be used for: Monthly rental assistance or a first month rent payment.

• Funds cannot be used for: Security deposits, pet deposits, moving expenses, utility bills, or back rent.

• Maximum funding available: Up to $400/month, subject to fund availability. Payments are made directly to your landlord or property manager, who will need to submit a W-9 and will receive a 1099 at year's end.

• What happens at the end of a seasonal contract: If you continued employment through your contract or for the full season (reverified in April), you can receive rental assistance for the rest of the program year which ends in September 2027.

• Reapplying: One application per program year will be considered. 

• This is a pilot program; continued funding depends on BMRAD's ongoing allocation and is not guaranteed year to year.