North-missoula Community Development
About North-missoula Community Development
Since 1996, this Missoula organization has kept more than 90 homes permanently affordable, which is the kind of impact you can actually picture. It does that work through community land trusts, housing co-ops, deed restrictions, organizing, advocacy, and places like the Burns Street Center that bring people together. If you care about housing that stays within reach for future generations, this is an organization built for that exact job.
What sets Front Step CLT apart is that it does not stop at helping people buy a home. It also keeps land in community hands, organizes neighbors, pushes for fair zoning and anti-displacement policy, and stewards places that matter to Missoula, from the Westside's Burns Street Center to the North Hills and Moon-Randolph Homestead area.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Community land trust homeownership
Makes permanently affordable homeownership attainable by bringing land into community ownership, so buyers purchase the home while the land stays in the trust for future generations.
Community organizing
Convenes neighbors, coalition partners, potlucks, block parties, educational events, and community gatherings to build collective power around housing and neighborhood issues.
Advocacy
Advocates for fair zoning, anti-displacement measures, permanent affordability, and people-first housing policy in Missoula.
Burns Street Center
Owns and operates a community hub and commercial space on Missoula's Westside that houses local food businesses and community-serving organizations, and hosts public events and gatherings.
Hill and Homestead Preservation Coalition
Works in a cooperative management agreement with the City of Missoula to preserve open space, historic resources, and environmental features of the North Hills and Moon-Randolph Homestead area.
Missoula Outdoor Cinema
Provides free or low-cost summer weekend evening movie screenings in Missoula, with voluntary contributions accepted.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Front Step CLT builds community power, thriving neighborhoods, and affordable homes. It uses community land trusts, housing co-ops, deed restrictions, community organizing, and advocacy to make permanently affordable homeownership and equitable neighborhood development possible in Missoula.
Who they serve
Missoula residents, especially households seeking permanently affordable homeownership and neighbors engaged in community development, housing justice, and local preservation efforts.
Their impact
- Since 1996, the organization has grown to over 90 permanently affordable homes.
- In 2024, it awarded more than 90 homes and supported over 30 households through education, resale, and ongoing stewardship.
- In 2024, the Burns Street Center hosted over 40 community events, meetings, and public gatherings.
- Community organizing efforts engaged over 500 residents in 2024.
How your donation helps
- Stewarding permanently affordable homes and supporting current homeowners and co-op shareholders
- Operating the Burns Street Center and hosting community events
- Supporting neighborhood organizing and housing justice advocacy
- Maintaining Missoula Outdoor Cinema and other community gatherings
- Advancing community land trust projects and local preservation work
Our story
Front Step Community Land Trust grew out of neighborhood organizing on Missoula's Northside in the 1990s, when Bob Oaks began building community power around needs that institutions were not meeting. The organization started in 1996, grew into what was formerly North Missoula CDC, and became Montana's first community land trust. Since then, it has kept guiding community-driven projects that shape development and infrastructure in Missoula.
Need help?
How someone in need can access North-missoula Community Development’s services.
People interested in a Front Step CLT home can apply for a home and use homeownership assistance to navigate the purchase process. Current CLT homeowners can seek support with utilities, property maintenance, taxes, and selling their home.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
When Each Of Us Opens The Door, All Of Us Can Find Our Place.
We demolish walls that restrict wealth to the few.
Aging and retirement brought reality to our door. We are so thankful that Front Step CLT could provide vibrant and multigenerational housing for people like us.
Events
Missoula Outdoor Cinema
summer since 2003Free or low-cost weekend evening cinema held in summer, with voluntary contributions accepted.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles North-missoula Community Development has shared.
Volunteer opportunities
- Lead a workshop on home maintenance or DIY repairs
- Pitch in at Missoula Outdoor Cinema by taking tickets or running concessions
- Advocate for housing justice in local government
- Host a Front Step CLT presentation for neighbors, organizations, students, or investors
- Share skills with homeowners and co-op shareholders
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Missoula Historic Preservation Commission award for "Sympathetic Infill Development in a Historic Neighborhood" for Whittier Court
In the media
- Montana Free Press, innovative housing project aimed to boost Missoula's affordability
- Montana Free Press, Missoula housing co-ops as an anti-gentrification tool
- The Pulp, Trusting Missoula and the organization's affordable housing stock
- Montana Free Press, resident-driven zoning reform in Missoula
- Stories for Action podcast, Housing in Montana
- Shelterforce, supply reforms and housing policy discussion involving Missoula
- Sightline, Missoula's zoning reform
- Missoulian, local coverage of the organization and its work
Partners & funders
In the news
Articles featuring North-missoula Community Development from the Love What You Fund newsroom.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What support do current homeowners receive?
Homeowners can get help with utilities, property maintenance, taxes, and selling a CLT home.
What is the Burns Street Center used for?
It is a community hub and commercial space where local food businesses, community-serving organizations, and public gatherings can happen.
What kinds of advocacy work does the organization do?
It advocates for fair zoning, anti-displacement measures, and permanent affordability in Missoula.
What is Missoula Outdoor Cinema?
It is a free or low-cost summer movie series that accepts voluntary contributions.
Similar nonprofits
Other community coalitions nonprofits in MT.