Our opinion: 'Affordable' housing goal finally sees some action

Affordable housing is the latest promise voiced by politicians and officials in the Gallatin Valley. It is a must-have on any campaign platform and in any planning meeting. Last week, Bozeman's Commission ranked it at the top of the city's priorities for the next year.

With housing prices climbing constantly and already unreachable for many residents, talk of affordable (the correct way to say "low cost") housing is a guaranteed attention-getter.

But what to do about it? Some want city and county government to demand affordable housing as part of any subdivision. Builders want fewer government demands, which add to the cost of housing. Brows furrow, hands wring and the price of housing jumps another thou.

Fortunately, one Bozeman group rolled up its collective sleeves and tackled the toughest end of the problem -- those who cannot afford housing at any cost. Next week, five families who need a free shelter will have one more "affordable" option.

Family Promise of Gallatin Valley, Inc., put together a plan to house the families, who otherwise would be homeless, in area churches. For as long as 90 days, the beneficiaries of the Family Promise efforts will rotate between nine churches, where the congregations will ensure that they are warm, dry and fed. They will have access to computers at the group's downtown Family Center to look for jobs and access social services. A van will make sure that children get to their schools.

The program is not a homeless shelter. It is for parents with children who are working or looking for a job, but who have no other roof. It helps people get back on their feet after they have lost jobs or hit other bumps in life.

Nine area churches will play host to the families with support from another half dozen churches and organizations and a synagogue.

The biggest concern for Family Promise is the gap between it ability to help and the Gallatin Valley's need. Some 750 individuals and families in the region are on a waiting list for vouchers to help with their housing costs. In nearly every instance, that means they are within one paycheck of losing their house or apartment.

Help for five families barely makes a dent in the demand. But at least it makes a dent. The Family Promise organization, its church sponsors and its contributors deserve a huge pat on the back -- and support from all of us -- for tackling a tough problem with an innovative solution.

By working with the most needy families in the valley to solve the highest-priority problem in Bozeman, Family Promise has taken an important first step toward affordable housing.

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