Housing Whitefish funding proposal receives green light from city

The Whitefish City Council directed staff to complete an agreement with Housing Whitefish committing funds to the organization’s Workforce Rental Assistance Program Monday night.  

The funding proposal is for the next three fiscal years, committing $200,000 in fiscal year 2026, $250,000 in FY27, and $300,000 in FY28 to match the organization’s anticipated growth in the program. 

Daniel Sidder, executive director of Housing Whitefish, said that the organization plans to match the city’s contribution one to one.  

“We take our role in using public money very seriously, and we feel that matching the funds one to one shows our dedication to this program and our community,” Sidder said. “The funds from the city will directly support households living and working in Whitefish. No city funds will be used to support our staff time or operations.”  

Housing Whitefish has already secured $120,000 in grants and donations for FY26 and will now fundraise for the remaining $80,000 to meet their matching commitment. 

The Workforce Rental Assistance Program has supported 65 households over the last year, impacting 124 individuals. The organization believes they are succeeding in keeping the Whitefish workforce in the community, stating that almost 70% of the families served said they were at risk losing their housing due to their ability to pay rent and utilities before receiving rental assistance. 

Housing Whitefish knows there are more households that need rental assistance and plans to scale up outreach over the next year. The organization encourages community members and businesses to share information about the program. The program eligibility criteria, policies, and FAQs are available at housingwhitefish.org.