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8/4/2025
Health Assessment Highlights Affordable Housing Concerns in Helena
Helena’s affordable housing remains a top health priority as local groups address challenges and rally residents to find solutions. Last week, Lewis and Clark Public Health and St. Peter’s Health, along with area coalitions, unveiled a community health improvement plan based on last year’s assessment.
The assessment identified three major health priorities: behavioral health, chronic diseases, and affordable housing. A common issue discussed was changes in federal funding affecting local efforts to provide safe, affordable housing and limited shelters in the county.
United Way of the Lewis and Clark Area, part of the Healthy Together Steering Committee, contributed to the health plan. United Way’s community impact coordinator, Jeff Buscher, urged community support, remarking, “We have to do it locally, and we have to look at the resources we have to make this happen.”
Buscher noted that funding changes might impact United Way’s Housing First campaign, connecting housing security with health needs. “The evidence is clear that safe housing paired with services leads to stably housed people,” Buscher added.
Other concerns discussed included potential Medicaid changes and fluctuating case management funding, as noted by United Way Executive Director Emily McVey. She stressed the need for more social workers to help clients navigate community resources.
Despite challenges, officials highlighted successes like Family Promises’ shelter expansion, Twin Creek Apartments construction, six new homes from the Helena Area Habitat for Humanity, and the Helena Housing Authority’s fair-market-rent reassessment.
The community health improvement plan suggests engaging the public and promoting partnerships with housing advocacy groups and governments. Strategies include implementing the Montana Land Use and Planning Act and launching a Housing Needs Assessment Survey for 2026. Visit Lewis and Clark Public Health’s website for the full plan and assessment.
Public Notice
North Star Water Issue: On Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 1:30 p.m., the Montana Public Service Commission will discuss potential penalties on the North Star housing subdivision developer due to ongoing water supply disruptions.
School Bond Campaign: Yes! For Helena Schools will kick off its campaign on Monday, Aug. 4, to support bonds funding improvements at Capital High and replacing Helena High and Kessler Elementary. The event is outside Helena High, 1300 Billings Ave., at 10 a.m. The bond is on the Sept. 9 ballot.
Helena Airport Meeting: The Helena Regional Airport Authority will hold a public meeting on Monday, Aug. 4, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., to discuss the airport master plan. The meeting is at the airport’s convention center, 2850 Mercer Loop.
Meet Your Candidates: The League of Women Voters and the Helena Area Chamber invite the public to meet candidates for the Helena mayor and city commission races on Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Best Western Great Northern Hotel, 835 Great Northern Blvd., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Register on the LWV website.
5 Things to Know in Helena
City Tax Assessment: Finance director Sheila Danielson presented 2025 tax assessments, noting only city transportation services will see a rate increase. Residential and vacant property owners face a base fee of $216, a $10 increase. Mobile home residents pay about $87, up $8, and commercial property owners see an $18 increase to a $378 base rate.
Commercial Property Assessment Change: A lawsuit settlement led to changes in assessing commercial properties. Owners with 40% undeveloped land can request reassessment as vacant. Apply by Aug. 15 for a tax year change.
Thomas Weiner Lawsuit: A judge denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit against Thomas C. Weiner, a former St. Peter’s Health doctor, for alleged violations of the False Claims and Controlled Substances Acts. The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed the lawsuit last August.
Helena Fire Reduction Project: Starting Monday, Aug. 4, Helena will begin a fire fuel reduction project in city parks. Crews will thin trees in Mount Helena City Park and Mount Ascension Natural Park. Visit the city’s open lands website for details.
MHS Field Trip Grant: The Montana Historical Society received a $50,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana to launch a free field trip program to the Capitol and Montana Heritage Center next year.
Might Be Fun
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will perform “As You Like It” on Aug. 5 and “Henry V” on Aug. 6 at Anchor Park, 210 S. Last Chance Gulch, both starting at 6 p.m. Free entry. Visit the Shakespeare in the Parks’ website for more information.
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