Welcome to Our FAQ
HABCRO was created to help Montana communities find practical solutions to local housing challenges. We know this program is new, and many people may wonder what it is, how it works, and what it means for their community.
This FAQ provides simple answers to common questions. As more questions come in from counties and community members, we’ll keep adding to it. Our goal is to make the process clear and show how we will work together to create affordable, sustainable workforce housing.
General Program Questions
You can get answers to the most commonly asked questions in this section.
The MCRP is a state program designed to expand attainable housing through Community partnerships. It provides funding allocations to participating county regions that are matched by either local government or a certified Community Reinvestment Organizations (CROs) like HABCRO.
A CRO is a certified partner that works directly with county regions to implement the MCRP. CROs can provide matching funds, technical expertise, and development capacity to deliver attainable housing projects.
HABCRO exists to expand attainable workforce housing in Montana. We believe strong communities start with access to safe, affordable homes for the people who keep our counties moving forward. We provide support and guidance to communities working to create attainable housing solutions. We are working towards a brighter future for Montana.
HABCRO helps county regions who are participating in the MCRP every step of the way—from securing and matching funds, to assessing housing needs, overseeing construction and delivering finished homes.
Eligible projects focus on Attainable Workforce Housing and must adhere to the following criteria:
• For sale, home ownership product.
• Originating, eligible household earning between 60% and 140% of the median household income for the county or the state, whichever is less.
• Original cost of mortgage may not be higher than 30% of gross monthly household income for a mortgage payment, property taxes and insurance.
• MCRP Funds and matching funds used may not exceed more than 30% of the total purchase price.
In the initial phase, HABCRO prioritizes infill opportunities that can be served by existing municipal or community water and sewer systems.
For every $1 allocated by the state under the MCRP, HABCRO can provide the $1 in required matching funds. This doubles the total investment available for housing in each county.
Kick-off meetings begin in Mid September 2025. Counties can schedule their sessions to start planning tailored housing solutions.
You can request more information by filling out our contact form. We aim to respond to inquiries promptly to assist you with your needs.
Specific Questions
Below are answers to questions that address specific inquiries.
County regions are not expected to take on the role of developer or assume large financial risks. Instead, County Regions play a coordination role in the program:
Identifying local housing needs and priorities through collaboration with HABCRO and community stakeholders.
Coordinating staff involvement (planning, permitting, and infrastructure discussions) to support timely project delivery.
Streamlining approvals and processes where possible to help accelerate housing development.
Financially, County Regions benefit from the state allocation and the HABCRO match, meaning they do not contribute county funds beyond what is already allocated under the MCRP. The state provides 15% of the home’s purchase amount in funding per home, and HABCRO not only matches that amount but also contributes additional investment for development and construction — totaling nearly eight times the state’s contribution.
This level of commitment ensures that the program results in real, new homes that families can own and communities can thrive around. Structurally, County Regions act as partners and facilitators, ensuring local priorities are represented while HABCRO provides the technical, financial, and development expertise to get projects built efficiently and effectively.
HABCRO partners with County Regions to provide support—offering research, funding alignment, and project coordination—while also guiding efforts to ensure housing meets MCRP requirements. Certified by the state to administer the program and ensure compliance, HABCRO works alongside County Regions as they set housing priorities, identify property sites, and define target populations.
Once County Regions identify potential building sites and housing needs, HABCRO will coordinate contractors and community partners to deliver the housing inventory. HABCRO helps structure the process, ensure alignment with MCRP requirements, and support long-term sustainability.
Have more questions?
If there’s something else on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help and provide the information you need about HABCRO’s Role in bringing attainable housing to Montana communities.