Montana Department Of Commerce - Section 8 Housing Office | Helena, MT
Quick answer: Montana Department Of Commerce is a Public Housing Authority (PHA) administering Section 8 programs in Helena, MT. Call (406) 841-2830 to reach their office. The agency manages approximately 4,469 Section 8 vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist: OPEN
as of July 14, 2026
The Montana Department of Commerce's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list is currently open, having reopened on July 1, 2025.
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Montana Department Of Commerce is a Public Housing Authority (PHA) that administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and other HUD-funded rental assistance programs in its jurisdiction. PHAs receive annual allocations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are responsible for determining eligibility, maintaining waitlists, issuing vouchers, inspecting units, and processing rent payments to landlords.
To apply for Section 8 assistance through Montana Department Of Commerce, check whether the waitlist is currently open. Many PHAs open their waitlists for a limited period - sometimes just a few days - and use a lottery system to select applicants. Once on the waitlist, applicants may wait months to years before receiving a voucher, depending on funding and turnover. Priority is typically given to households with extremely low income (30% AMI or below), veterans, and households experiencing homelessness.
When a voucher is issued, the household has 60-120 days to find an eligible unit. The landlord must agree to participate in the HCV program and pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. Rents must be "reasonable" compared to comparable unassisted units in the area. Once approved, the PHA pays the landlord directly each month; the tenant pays only their 30% income share.
Agency Snapshot
| Metric | Value |
| Section 8 Vouchers | 4,469 |
| Total Units Managed | 4,419 |
| Occupancy Rate | 75% |
| Agency Size | LARGE (1,000-4,999) |
| County | Lewis and Clark |
| Metro Area | Helena, MT Metropolitan Statistical Area |
Source: HUD Public Housing Authority directory. Data reflects the most recent HUD reporting period.
- How do I contact Montana Department Of Commerce?
- Montana Department Of Commerce is located at 301 S Park Ave Ste 240, Helena MT 59601. Phone: (406) 841-2830. Call ahead to confirm office hours before visiting.
- Is the Section 8 waitlist open at Montana Department Of Commerce?
- Waitlist openings at Montana Department Of Commerce are not guaranteed year-round. Many PHAs only open their waitlists for brief windows, sometimes announced with just days of notice. Use our Find My PHA tool to see the current status.
- What documents do I need to apply at Montana Department Of Commerce?
- Typically: photo ID for all adults, Social Security cards or proof of immigration status for all household members, birth certificates for children, proof of all household income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters), and rental history. Requirements vary; contact Montana Department Of Commerce for their specific checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply for Section 8 at Montana Department Of Commerce?
- Visit their office at 301 S Park Ave Ste 240, Helena, MT, 59601. Call (406) 841-2830 to ask about the waitlist and application process.
- How many Section 8 vouchers does Montana Department Of Commerce administer?
- Montana Department Of Commerce administers approximately 4,469 Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers according to HUD's most recent data.
- What area does Montana Department Of Commerce serve?
- Montana Department Of Commerce serves Helena, Lewis and Clark County, Helena, MT Metropolitan Statistical Area.