Frequently Asked Questions

The Unified Funding Round includes multiple funding sources and starts in December each year when application materials are posted. This includes the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF), HOME Investment Partnerships funds, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies. Urgent and emergent projects that prevent housing displacement can apply for funding from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Reserve Balance, which is 20% of the trust fund’s balance. Please reach out to the team if you have questions!

Each of our funding sources come with their own regulations and requirements based on federal law or city ordinance. Awardees must always follow the rules implemented by the Fair Housing Law. Awardees must not displace any individuals; if so, they must cover relocation costs. A brief overview of some standard federal regulations can be found here and potential applicants are encouraged to reach out to staff for more information. 

 Applying for any of the funding sources is done through the same application. You can list your preferred funding source, but staff will help determine which funding source is the best fit. The full application process involves a short pre-application, followed by a consultation with staff. Eligible projects are then invited to complete a full application that includes basic project information, a budget, and other supporting documents.

During the Unified Round, which starts in December. Urgent and emergent projects that prevent housing displacement can apply for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Reserve Balance.

Area Median Income (AMI) is used to determine whether housing is affordable to a household based on the number of members in the household and their income. AMI is the household income for the middle household in a region. To learn more about Missoula’s AMI check out this graphic.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership funds must primarily support low- and moderate- income people and areas. The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development uses a shorthand, “LMI” to refer to these populations. A low-income person is someone whose total annual income is 50% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) or average income for the community where they live. A moderate-income person is someone whose total annual income is above 50% but less than 80% of the AMI or average income for the community where they live. For more information about what “LMI” means in Missoula, click here