Address & Phone
214 Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
406.752.6565
Primary Contact
Sara Briggs
[email protected]
www.capnm.net
Services
Homebuyer Education
Homebuyer Counseling
Financial Literacy Education
Financial Coaching
Rental Education
Counties
Flathead
Lake
Sanders
Lincoln
- Overview
- Homebuyer Education
- Financial Education
- Post Purchase Class
- Renting Wise Workshop
- Online Education
Organization Description
Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana (CAPNM) was founded in 1976 as Northwest Montana Human Resources, Inc. with the overall mission: “to provide services and advocacy to improve lives and strengthen our communities.” CAPNM is a private, non-profit organization with the unique ability to pursue federal, state, private, and local funding sources. This allows the flexibility to focus efforts and maximize resources to benefit the changing needs in the community.
CAPNM is community-based, focusing its efforts on community partnerships that promote individual, family, and community self-sufficiency. The agency continues to target hard to serve individuals by focusing on networking available resources and services in order to promote long-term independence for the individuals served. CAPNM addresses housing, financial, medical, vocational, and educational needs of individuals in the communities that we serve.
CAPNM serves a large geographic area of 13,375 square miles with a total population of over 148,000. Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, and Sanders are rural counties with limited employment opportunities and low wages. CAPNM is the largest organization in the four county area, providing a wide variety of services to promote self-sufficiency and independence, which allows maximization of resources to benefit more individuals.
Homebuyer Education Classes
Understanding the scope and value of home inspections. Working with a real estate agent who really grasps your needs and price range. Choosing a lender and understanding loan products and terms CAPNM offers its Homebuyer Education class once per month in Kalispell. The purpose of the class is to teach potential homeowners about the process of purchasing a home. Classes are 8 hours over the course of one day or two evenings – see table for course dates, times and locations. This is a great program for both new and experienced home buyers and provides a good opportunity to become a more educated home buyer and homeowner. The class is taught by certified homeownership educators and other professionals from the community who provide presentations on a range of homeownership topics including:
- Evaluating your credit and using credit wisely
- Budgeting for your household and determining affordability
- Choosing insurance policies
- Understanding the title insurance and closing process
- Maintaining your home so it continues to be an appreciating asset
- Registration and Payment
Classes are open until filled, on a first-come first-served basis. Registration packets are available by contacting [email protected] or on our website at www.capnm.net/homebuyer-education. All intake packages must be completed and returned to CAPNM at 214 Main Street in Kalispell, via email to [email protected] (PDF attachments please) or via Fax to 406-565-4834, or mailed to Sara Briggs, CAPNM, P.O. Box 88, Kalispell, MT 59903. A check or cash must also be received by 5 p.m. The regular cost is $75 per household. However, partial scholarships are available by contacting Sara Briggs.
Class Fee: $75 per household
Class is first come first serve. Registration ends the Wednesday prior to the class taking place.
If you have special needs such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act please let us know and we can make accommodations for you.
Note: Our classroom is not suitable for children. Please make childcare arrangements.
2023 Class Schedule
Time: 8 AM to 5 PM
Location: 214 Main Street in Kalispell
2023 Dates:
- September 9 (Saturday, in-person class)
Financial Skill Building
The goal of Financial Skill Building is to provide information and support to help strengthen and improve individual’s and family’s financial knowledge and decision-making skills, so they can achieve financial freedom. **PLEASE NOTE: All classes are held in Kalispell.**
Registration and Payment
To register, please contact Colin Barrett at (406) 752-6565 or [email protected].
Class Fee: There is no fee for this class. Class materials are provided.
If you have special needs such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act please let us know and we can make accommodations for you.
2022 Class Schedule
Please call (406) 752-6565 for details
Post Purchase Class
This class is offered monthly. This class will look at maintaining realistic spending plans after a home purchase to ensure financial stability in the first year. We will also discuss other resources available for basic home repairs, weatherization and general home maintenance. **PLEASE NOTE: All classes are held in Kalispell.**
Registration and Payment
To register, please contact Colin Barrett at 406.752.6565 or [email protected].
Class Fee: There is no fee for this class. Class materials are provided.
If you have special needs such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act please let us know and we can make accommodations for you.
2022 Class Schedule
Please call (406) 752-6565 for details
The purpose of the Renting Wise Workshop is to help renters get into and maintain decent and affordable housing. This is a great program for renters who are struggling to find housing due to blemishes in their past rental history. It is a great opportunity to become a more educated tenant. With the Renting Wise Workshop, a range of rental-related topics will be covered, including:
- Repairing Your Credit
- Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
- Getting Your Security Deposit Back
- Effectively Communicating
- Keeping a Safe and Healthy Home
- Encouraging Landlords to Give You a Second Chance
Registration:Click here for the registration form. To register, please contact Colin Barrett at 406.752.6565 or [email protected].
Workshop Fee: Rent Education Workshops are FREE, but advanced registration is REQUIRED.
Counseling: One on One counseling is free and specific to your situation. Please let the workshop leader know if you want a private appointment. Or, if you are not attending the workshop, please call (406) 752-6565 to make an appointment.
Location: Community Action Partnership of NW MT (CAPNM), 214 Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901
If you have special needs such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act please let us know and we can make accommodations for you.
Note: Childcare and dinner provided for evening workshops.
Questions: Contact 406-752-6565
2022 Class Schedule
Please call for class details
You have two options for online homebuyer education: eHome America or Framework. While online education cannot replace the experience of an in-person class, both eHome America and Framework classes provide a comprehensive education on the homebuying journey.
In order to receive your homebuyer education class certificate of completion, you will need to complete a one-on-one appointment with one of our HUD-certified housing counselors. This appointment can be done in person or over the phone and can generally be made to fit your schedule.
The content and topics are the same for both classes, but the delivery styles differ slightly. Feel free to choose the class that suits your learning style best. Both classes are HUD- certified, and both have adopted NeighborWorks America’s National Industry Standards.
eHome is “more like an electronic textbook”, said one user. eHome has short videos that introduce concepts followed by text that further expand those concepts.
Class Costs $99
Framework is more like a storybook, following the homebuying journey of a prospective first-time homebuyer. Content is very interactive.
Class Costs $75
If you still need advice on which course to take your lender may have a recommendation based on the loan products you are considering, or you may contact your local housing counselor for their perspective. Click HERE to find a counselor in your area.
Once you’ve registered and completed the course you will receive an email from Logan Smith at NeighborWorks Montana putting you in touch with the housing counselor in your area to complete your one-on-one counseling session.
Questions? – contact Logan Smith at (406) 604-4557 or by email at [email protected].