EBS STAFF
The Bozeman-based nonprofit Human Resources Development Council will purchase Belgrade Trailer Court in February, after it was listed for sale in 2023 for $1.5 million.
The trailer court contains 19 mobile home properties and one single-family home, according to the listing. According to a Feb. 12 HRDC press release, “[the] mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty is purchasing the property in February 2024 to preserve critical affordable housing and prevent displacement of community members.”
Aside from immediately preserving the existing community of residents, HRDC sees two long-term possibilities: the nonprofit could maintain ownership and operation of the trailer court, or eventually sell to a collective of residents in the form of a resident-owned cooperative.
In the coming months as HRDC pursues a long-term solution, the nonprofit will aim to make as few changes as possible for community members.
“Our goal is to preserve the property as the functioning community that it is today,” HRDC president and CEO Heather Grenier stated in the release. “We do not seek profit in this transaction. Given southwest Montana’s ongoing affordable housing crisis, we are very pleased to be able to preserve another affordable housing option in our community to ensure all those who live and work here have housing options that fit their household budgets.”
HRDC took on mortgage debt to purchase the property, and has temporary financing for two years.
“During these two years, HRDC, NeighborWorks Montana and the community will have time to assess which pathway forward works best for everyone,” the release stated.
