United Way drops Helena Inn purchase, seeks new supportive housing options

The Lewis and Clark Area United Way announced on November 18, 2025 that it had abandoned a proposed purchase of the Helena Inn after failing to reach terms with the property owners following an appraisal. The nonprofit had planned to convert the building into 48 permanent studio apartments targeted to voucher holders, coupling housing with wrap around support services. With the sale now off the table, the United Way said it will pursue alternative approaches to increase safe and affordable housing in Helena.

The cancelled acquisition removes what would have been one of the larger immediate additions of permanent supportive housing in the county. The original plan envisioned 48 single studio units that would have been prioritized for residents using housing vouchers, a population that often faces limited options in tight rental markets. The United Way framed the project as a combination of stable housing and services designed to help residents maintain tenancy and access support systems.

Executive director Emily McVey confirmed the organization will explore smaller group home style projects and partnerships to build new supportive housing. The shift reflects both an ongoing demand for affordable units and the practical difficulties nonprofit developers face when appraisals and seller expectations diverge. The United Way made clear it remains committed to expanding housing options and may pursue multiple projects or collaborations going forward.

For Lewis and Clark County residents the decision has immediate and longer term significance. In the near term local advocates will have to wait for new projects to move forward, keeping pressure on a rental market where voucher recipients often struggle to find landlords willing to accept vouchers. Over the long term the United Way plan to pursue smaller or partner based developments could spread benefits across more sites, but those projects typically take longer to finance and build than a single conversion.

The appraisal driven breakdown also highlights financing and valuation challenges that affect affordable housing efforts statewide. When appraisals exceed what funders or nonprofit buyers can pay, potential projects stall, leaving existing housing needs unmet. The United Way faces the choice of seeking additional capital, identifying lower cost properties, or partnering with public agencies and other developers to bridge appraisal gaps.

Locally elected officials and service providers will likely monitor the United Ways next steps closely. The organization signaled a willingness to adopt several alternative strategies, which could include acquiring smaller properties, constructing new units with partners, or supporting community led group home initiatives. For residents who rely on housing vouchers and supportive services, the outcome of those plans will determine whether new units enter the market and how quickly they become available.

The United Way said it will continue work to expand safe, affordable options in Helena, while adjusting tactics after the Helena Inn deal fell through. Community stakeholders will now watch for concrete project proposals and timelines as the organization pivots to alternative approaches.