Opportunity Bank of Montana Proud to Offer New State-Sponsored HomeStretch Downpayment Assistance Program

Opportunity Bank of Montana is proud to be one of a select group of Montana financial institutions participating in the newly launched HomeStretch Down Payment Assistance Program, a state-sponsored initiative designed to expand access to homeownership for working families across 22 Montana counties.

Created through Montana House Bill 819 and administered by NeighborWorks Great Falls and NeighborWorks Montana, HomeStretch provides matched funding from the State of Montana and participating lenders to help eligible homebuyers finance up to 30% of their home’s purchase price. The program targets households earning between 60% and 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI) - a segment often excluded from traditional assistance programs.

“We were invited to participate in HomeStretch because we committed the matching funds required to activate the state’s investment,” said Debbi Royer, Mortgage Market President at Opportunity Bank. “It’s a strong example of public-private partnership—banks like ours stepped up to help make this program viable, and now we’re able to offer meaningful down payment assistance to buyers who’ve been underserved by traditional options.”

As a preferred lender, Opportunity Bank joins a coalition of institutions working to help make homeownership more attainable for Montanans. The program also establishes a revolving loan fund, ensuring long-term investment in affordable housing across the state.

Interested home buyers are encouraged to contact Opportunity Bank of Montana’s mortgage lending team to learn more about eligibility and how to apply. More information on the HomeStretch program can be found on the NeighborWorks Great Falls website, www.nwgf.org.