New Butte Neighborhood Welcomes Families Home After Nearly Two Years of Teamwork

The following is a release from Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Montana:

Butte, Mont. – Seven families are now living in homes they helped build—together—in Butte. The new neighborhood on Iron Street is the result of nearly two years of shared effort through Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Montana and the USDA Rural Development Mutual Self-Help Program.

Each homeowner committed at least 1,000 hours of labor toward the construction of the self-help homes. Working side by side, they built not only houses but a strong sense of community. Volunteers from across the region joined in, and their time on-site helped offset the residents’ required hours—lightening the load and lifting spirits.

Among those volunteers were 72 employees from NorthWestern Energy, who contributed 175 hours during construction. In recognition of those employees’ commitment, NorthWestern Energy also donated $7,200 to Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Montana.

The volunteer help is a huge relief for the residents,” said Barbara Miller, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Montana. “When large groups like the NorthWestern Energy employees are onsite, it gives a big psychological boost to the whole group.”

 The Mutual Self-Help Program fosters more than homeownership—it builds lasting bonds. “Our employees looked forward to pitching in, working together outside of the office and work sites, putting their skills to good work building strong neighborhoods that enhance our whole city,” said Paul Babb, Community Relations Manager at NorthWestern Energy.

With the homes now complete and families moved in, the next step is landscaping the properties. Ten more homes are planned for the development, continuing the momentum of community-driven progress.