Helena Housing Authority
Helena Housing Authority is a federally designated Public Housing Agency based in Helena, Montana, founded in 1938, that manages 413 affordable rental units and a multi-county Housing Choice Voucher program serving low-income families, elderly residents, and people with disabilities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1938
- HeadquartersHelena, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Helena Housing Authority does
Helena Housing Authority (HHA) is a federally designated Public Housing Agency (PHA) established in 1938 and based in Helena, Montana. As a quasi-governmental, tax-exempt entity, HHA administers publicly assisted rental housing for low-income families, elderly households, and individuals with disabilities within its service area. Its portfolio comprises 413 housing units operated under HUD's public housing program, alongside a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program that expanded to cover three counties under Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) policy.
HHA's operating technology is built on the YARDI platform, with the RENTCafe tenant portal handling rent payment, applications, and resident communication. Resident-services capacity is anchored by the Helena Learning Center, a long-running partnership hub that co-locates workforce, education, and self-sufficiency programming on-site. HHA's staff footprint is approximately 25 FTE, organized around housing management, maintenance, and HCV administration functions.
HHA's revenue mechanics flow almost entirely from federal sources: HUD Public Housing Operating Fund subsidies, Capital Fund allocations, and HCV Housing Assistance Payments (HAP), supplemented by tenant rent contributions set against HUD's income-based formulas. HHA does not earn market-rate profit; surpluses are constrained to program use under HUD's ACC framework. HHA has initiated a Public Housing Repositioning Initiative for 2026 that will transition units to Project-Based Voucher (PBV) contracts, materially restructuring its funding model toward partner-owned and PBV-financed units while retaining resident-serving responsibilities and HCV administrative authority.
Helena Housing Authority firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Helena Housing Authority
- Legal name
- Helena Housing Authority
- Website
- https://hhamt.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1938
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Helena Housing Authority is a federally designated Public Housing Agency based in Helena, Montana, founded in 1938, that manages 413 affordable rental units and a multi-county Housing Choice Voucher program serving low-income families, elderly residents, and people with disabilities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Helena Housing Authority industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Housing and Affordable Housing Services
- NAICS
- Administration of Housing Programs (925110), Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings (53111), Other Community Housing Services (624229)
- SIC
- Operators Of Apartment Buildings (6513), Real Estate Agents & Managers (For Others) (6531)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing) (BPAIANAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Housing Voucher & Rental Assistance Programs (Tenant-Based/Project-Based) (FSALAKAI), Affordable & Subsidized Housing Property Management (LIHTC, Section 8) (BPAJAFAD), Affordable Rental & Multifamily Housing Finance Programs (LIHTC/Tax Credits/Subsidized Loans) (FSALAKAF)
Keywords
Where Helena Housing Authority is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Helena
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Helena Housing Authority business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- HUD Public Housing Operating Subsidy: Federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to operate low-rent public housing units, covering operational costs and capital improvements
- HUD Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Funding: Federal Annual Contributions Contract with HUD to administer Housing Choice Voucher programs, including project-based and tenant-based rental assistance
- Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program: Montana Board of Housing oversight of LIHTC properties (Wilder Apartments and Roadrunner Residence) managed by HHA under the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program established under Section 42 of the Tax Reform Act of 1986
- HUD Permanent Supportive Housing Grants: Two grants funding rental assistance vouchers for chronically homeless persons with mental illness and/or substance use disorders, authorized under Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act
- State HCV Moderate Rehabilitation Program: Administered on behalf of Montana Department of Commerce for moderate rehabilitation housing projects serving low-income families
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Public Housing Flat Rents (1-Bed to 5-Bed units) |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Public Housing Security Deposits |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | HCV Payment Standards by Bedroom Size |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | LIHTC Affordable Housing Rent |
| Subscription | Monthly | Voucher Participant Share |
| Other | Monthly | Public Housing Specialist - Employee Pay Range |
| Other | Monthly | Maintenance Technician - Employee Pay Range |
| Other | Monthly | Administrative Assistant - Employee Pay Range |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Helena Housing Authority product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Helena Housing Authority is a non-profit public housing agency that operates 413 federally subsidized rental housing units and administers Housing Choice Voucher programs for low-income families, elderly, disabled, and chronically homeless individuals across Helena, Montana and surrounding counties. HHA also runs Permanent Supportive Housing with linked mental health services, Moderate Rehabilitation rental assistance, and Low Income Housing Tax Credit affordable housing at Wilder Apartments and Roadrunner Residence. Applications, rent payments, work orders, and recertifications are processed via 24/7 RENTCafe online portals.
Product overview
Helena Housing Authority (HHA) offers a portfolio of housing programs and services including Public Housing (366 units), Housing Choice Vouchers (Local and State), Permanent Supportive Housing, and Moderate Rehabilitation programs. HHA also manages 47 Affordable Housing units through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program at Wilder Apartments (31 units) and Roadrunner Residence (16 units). The organization operates RENTCafe online portals for applicants, residents, and landlords to manage applications, rent payments, and maintenance requests. Additional services include the LEED Platinum-certified Helena Learning Center and a Youth Activity Pilot Program. HHA serves as the largest landlord in Helena for over 80 years, providing end-to-end housing management for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Public Housing Low-rent public housing program managing 366 units (1-5 bedroom) scattered across Helena, Montana, including 76 units at Stewart Homes designated as Elderly/Disabled housing at the base of Helena's historic Fire Tower. Rents are set as flat rents by the Board of Commissioners with utility allowances deducted for tenant-paid utilities.
- Local Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Tenant-based voucher program funded by HUD that allows low-income individuals and families to lease or purchase safe, decent, and affordable privately-owned housing. Participants pay 30% of adjusted income toward rent; HHA pays the remainder as Housing Assistance Payments to landlords.
- State Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Quantifiable outcome
- 366 public housing units and 47 affordable housing units managed
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Helena Housing Authority
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Helena Housing Authority technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Helena Housing Authority partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Montana Department of CommercecoreHHA administers State Housing Choice Voucher program and Mod Rehab projects on behalf of MDOC. MDOC provides federal Section 8 HCV funding for very low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and elderly in Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, and Jefferson Counties.
- Montana Board of Housing (MBOH)coreMBOH oversees the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program in Montana under Section 42 of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. MBOH sets income eligibility guidelines and rent limits for LIHTC properties managed by HHA (Wilder Apartments and Roadrunner Residence).
- Center for Mental HealthcoreLicensed mental health case management provider required to participate in HHA's Permanent Supportive Housing program. Provides supportive services to chronically homeless persons with mental illness receiving PSH vouchers from HHA.
- AWARE-INCcoreLicensed mental health case management provider required to participate in HHA's Permanent Supportive Housing program. Provides supportive services to homeless and chronically homeless persons with mental illness and/or substance use disorders receiving PSH vouchers.
- Florence CrittentonmajorOperates Community Outreach Center at HHA's Helena Learning Center. Partners with HHA to provide educational and support services to public housing residents.
- Career Training InstitutemajorOperates office space at HHA's Helena Learning Center. Provides employment training services to help public housing residents achieve economic self-sufficiency.
- Child's Play PreschoolmajorOperates preschool program at HHA's Helena Learning Center (940 N. Roberts St.), providing early childhood education services to public housing community.
- United WayminorCommunity partner providing referrals for housing assistance applicants and participates in Helena's Point In Time homeless survey.
- Family Promise of Greater HelenaminorCommunity partner providing housing assistance referrals and support services for families experiencing homelessness.
- YWCA HelenaminorCommunity partner providing support services and referrals for housing assistance applicants.
- Lewis & Clark Literacy CouncilminorCommunity partner providing adult literacy services to public housing residents seeking economic self-sufficiency.
- Food ShareminorCommunity partner providing food assistance referrals and resources for housing assistance applicants and residents.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Helena Housing Authority competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Mercy Housing Mountain Plains: Non-profit affordable housing developer/operator in the Mountain West region including Montana. Competes with HHA for LIHTC allocations and development of affordable rental housing, but operates under different funding structure.
Broad incumbents
- District of Columbia Housing Authority: Large urban PHA administering public housing, HCV, and project-based programs with similar HUD regulatory framework. Much larger scale but reference for best practices in repositioning and modernization initiatives.
- Home Forward (Housing Authority of Portland): Mid-sized PHA administering public housing, HCV, and project-based programs in Multnomah County, Oregon. Larger scale than HHA but operates the same core HUD programs with similar regulatory structure.
- Denver Housing Authority: Large PHA operating public housing, HCV, and award-winning wraparound services in Denver. Comparable HUD program structure and integrated services model; significantly larger asset base.
Others
- National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO): Industry membership and advocacy association for PHAs, including HHA as a member. Provides training, certification, and federal policy representation for housing authorities nationwide.
- Housing Partnership Network: Non-profit network of affordable housing developers and operators providing peer learning, financing tools, and shared services. HHA-adjacent for benchmarking non-PHA affordable housing operating models.
Direct peers
- Butte-Silver Bow Housing Authority: Small Montana PHA administering public housing and Section 8 programs. Most comparable to HHA in unit count, Montana market context, and small-city operating scale.
- Billings Housing Authority: Montana's largest PHA, administering HUD public housing, Section 8 HCV, and affordable housing programs in Billings. Comparable in mission, federal program portfolio, and Montana operating environment.
- Missoula Housing Authority: Public Housing Authority serving Missoula, Montana, administering similar HUD-funded public housing, HCV, and LIHTC programs at comparable scale. Closest in-state peer with overlapping federal program mix and rural-state operating context.
Regional players
- Montana Board of Housing: State-level Housing Finance Agency that allocates LIHTC, administers state HCV funding, and contracts with HHA for program oversight. Direct counterpart regulator/funder in HHA's service area.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Helena Housing Authority financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Helena Housing Authority leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Helena Housing Authority funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Helena Housing Authority M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Helena Housing Authority
What does Helena Housing Authority do?
Helena Housing Authority is a non-profit public housing agency that operates 413 federally subsidized rental housing units and administers Housing Choice Voucher programs for low-income families, elderly, disabled, and chronically homeless individuals across Helena, Montana and surrounding counties. HHA also runs Permanent Supportive Housing with linked mental health services, Moderate Rehabilitation rental assistance, and Low Income Housing Tax Credit affordable housing at Wilder Apartments and Roadrunner Residence. Applications, rent payments, work orders, and recertifications are processed via 24/7 RENTCafe online portals.
Is Helena Housing Authority a public or private company?
Helena Housing Authority is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Helena Housing Authority founded?
Helena Housing Authority was founded in 1938. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Helena Housing Authority based?
Helena Housing Authority is headquartered in Helena, United States, in the North America region.
How does Helena Housing Authority make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. HUD Public Housing Operating Subsidy is the primary driver. The others are HUD Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Funding, low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program, HUD Permanent Supportive Housing Grants and state HCV Moderate Rehabilitation Program.
Who are Helena Housing Authority's main competitors?
Mercy Housing Mountain Plains is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are District of Columbia Housing Authority, Home Forward (Housing Authority of Portland) and Denver Housing Authority. Others are National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) and Housing Partnership Network. Direct peers are Butte-Silver Bow Housing Authority, Billings Housing Authority and Missoula Housing Authority. Montana Board of Housing is listed as a regional player.
Does Helena Housing Authority have an API?
No public API is recorded for Helena Housing Authority.
What industry is Helena Housing Authority in?
Helena Housing Authority's product category is Public Housing and Affordable Housing Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIANAA, Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing), with a secondary code of FSALAKAI, Housing Voucher & Rental Assistance Programs (Tenant-Based/Project-Based). Its NAICS code is 925110 and its SIC code is 6513.