The Baatz Block Apartments: Investing in Housing, Investing in People

NeighborWorks Great Falls, Homeword, community partners, and supporters, gathered at the Baatz Block for the ribbon cutting ceremony. This historic building, built in 1913, was renovated into 25 apartments, the first permanent supportive housing model in Great Falls. Construction began in the Fall of 2023 and the building was restored to preserve much of its original appearance, including storefront windows and the original flooring.

“The Baatz Block Apartments are more than a building restored—they are a promise fulfilled,” said Sherrie Arey, executive director at NWGF.  “By transforming a once-blighted property into permanent supportive housing, we are providing dignity, stability and hope to neighbors who need it most. This project demonstrates what is possible when community partners come together to invest in both housing and people.”

Before the ribbon cutting, there was a short program. Those in attendance heard remarks from the following:

Sherrie Arey- NWGF, Executive Director

Karissa Trujillo- Homeword, Executive Director

Joe Briggs- Cascade County Commissioner

Susan Wolff- City Commissioner

Cheryl Cohen- Montana Board of Housing, Executive Director

Jackie Girard- HUD, Montana State Director

Karla Seaman- Opportunities Inc, Executive Director

Each apartment will come with a welcome basket that includes towels, bed linens, cookware, and other items that someone would need moving into a new space. Community members have the opportunity to be a part of creating these baskets by donating the necessary items. For more information call 406-761-5861.

“This is a critical step in addressing housing insecurity across Montana,” said Karissa Trujillo, executive director at Homeword. “We’re creating stability for people who need it most, while also reducing long-term public costs in healthcare, emergency services, and the criminal justice system. We are eager to see these residents succeed and continue creating more homes with state-level support and economic investment in housing solutions that are proven to work.”

NWGF and Homeword are so grateful for the support of the community and to all the partners who made this possible. Stay tuned- this is just the beginning for the Baatz Block!