Editor’s Note: Recently, it was announced that the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), at the behest of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) terminated a $425,000 grant that provided much of the funding to Montana Fair Housing, a statewide non-profit organization that for the past 37 years has been responsible for educating renters, home buyers, landlords, realtors, and the general public about housing discrimination, how to prevent it and what steps are available to those who experience it (Full Story from MTN News). Following this loss of critical funding and programming in the fight against housing discrimination, LIFTT Executive Director Carlos Ramalho issued the following statement expressing LIFTT’s appreciation for Montana Fair Housing’s work and our concern for the future:
For 37 years, Montana Fair Housing has been a pillar of education, advocacy, and justice, working to ensure that renters, home buyers, landlords, and realtors understand their rights and responsibilities under fair housing laws. Their tireless efforts to combat housing discrimination and promote accessibility have made Montana a more inclusive place for people of all backgrounds — especially those who are disabled, aging, or otherwise vulnerable to housing inequities.
That’s why we acknowledge with deep regret the sudden termination of their federal contract with HUD on February 27, 2025 — a decision made without warning and with immediate effect.
Why This Matters
Housing is not just about shelter but security, dignity, and independence. Montana Fair Housing has been a lifeline for those facing discrimination, ensuring that the Fair Housing Act is upheld and that every Montanan — regardless of race, disability, age, or economic status — has access to safe and fair housing opportunities.
At LIFTT, we disagree with this decision and fear its impact on our communities most vulnerable. Without Montana Fair Housing’s full presence, who will step in to protect the rights of renters and home buyers? Who will educate landlords and realtors? Who will fight for those experiencing housing discrimination?
These are not just bureaucratic concerns but real issues that affect real people. We cannot afford to take fair and accessible housing for granted.
Moving Forward
As Montana Fair Housing reorganizes its services to continue on a more limited basis, we at LIFTT want to express our deep appreciation for their decades of service. Their work has made a profound difference, and we stand in solidarity with them as they navigate this unexpected and difficult transition.
We also call upon our community, advocates, and policymakers to find solutions to fill this void — because housing justice should never be optional.
To Montana Fair Housing: Thank you for 37 years of unwavering commitment. Your impact will not be forgotten.
LIFTT will continue to do everything we can to help those who need assistance with housing-related advocacy and resources. Please stay connected with us as we work toward solutions.
About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple or Android Device.