Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley outlines expansion plan, financing and land purchase

Marybeth Moran, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley, told the Whitefish City Council on Dec. 1 that the nonprofit has built 73 homes since 1989 and is expanding its local production and financing tools to reach more households.

Moran said Habitat sold two homes in 2023, three in 2024 and four so far in 2025, and currently has four houses under construction. She described a goal of roughly 5–8 homes per year on the organization’s current pipeline and a longer-term target of a 40‑home pipeline by 2030.

The organization operates a Restore in South Kalispell that diverts donated goods from landfills and helps fund local operations, Moran said. She summarized eligibility criteria for Habitat buyers as households earning roughly 30–80% of area median income, documentation of steady employment and two years of tax returns, and a credit assessment. "Everyone who builds a house with Habitat for Humanity has to do something called sweat equity," Moran said, noting a minimum requirement of 275 hours of participation before closing.

Moran described the financing model: Habitat-priced homes are sold at appraised value; many buyers access a 30‑year mortgage at about 2% through the Montana Board of Housing, and Habitat or partner organizations such as NeighborWorks Montana may hold a deferred second mortgage to fill shortfalls. "Our homeowners only have to pay 2% interest on 30 year notes," Moran said.

She also detailed a partnership with the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust: the land trust holds first right of refusal on Habitat-built houses and both organizations cap owner appreciation so sellers keep 25% of the appreciation when they resell. Moran said that approach keeps units more deeply affordable on resale and helps preserve housing stock.

Garrett, Habitat’s construction manager, described production changes designed to improve year‑round building and durability, including a pre‑framing shop to assemble wall panels indoors, the use of insulated concrete form stem walls and slab‑on‑grade construction, ductless heat pumps and heat‑recovery ventilators, and blower‑door testing to exceed code. "All of our homes now are built with these pre framed walls," Garrett said, adding that the approach improves quality control and volunteer training.

Moran announced Habitat bought more than 21 acres near 4 Mile Road in Kalispell for a mixed‑income neighborhood called Birchwood, with vertical development expected in 2027–28 and planned partnerships with private builders to broaden the range of product types. She said the organization is pursuing grant support — including an application to the Murdoch Foundation — to add staff capacity and sustain higher production.

The presentation closed with council members thanking Habitat staff and an invitation for volunteers to participate in upcoming projects.