Est. April 2022 · Whitefish, Montana

Built by Neighbors,
Driven by Purpose

ShelterWF is a community-led movement fighting to fix the broken housing system in Whitefish and the Flathead Valley.

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Our Mission

ShelterWF is a community-led movement fighting to fix the broken housing system in Whitefish and the Flathead Valley. We advocate for policy reforms that make it possible to build the homes our neighbors need.

Our Vision

We envision a Montana that preserves our wide-open rural spaces while giving everyone access to an affordable place to live. We envision communities that grow stronger through livable and environmentally friendly urban spaces.

ShelterWF community members gathered at a local event in Whitefish

Our Story

A Community That Stood Up

In April 2022, a group of Whitefish residents came together with a single purpose: to make homes in our community more affordable. What started as a small coalition of concerned neighbors quickly grew into a movement.

We identified three urgent needs: grassroots community advocacy at the city government level, public education about housing affordability and zoning regulations, and demystifying the civic processes that shape where and how we build.

Today, ShelterWF is powered by 500+ community supporters who believe that housing should be abundant, not exclusive — and that the people who keep our town running deserve a place to call home.

Our Track Record

Real Results, Real Change

Since 2022, we've moved from grassroots organizing to statewide impact. Here's what we've accomplished together.

2022

The Movement Begins

  • Founded ShelterWF as a community-led housing advocacy organization
  • Nathan Dugan appointed to the Governor's Housing Task Force
  • Built a coalition of 500+ local supporters

2023

Legislative Breakthrough

  • Secured grant funding to hire a professional legislative lobbyist
  • Helped pass sweeping housing reform legislation in the Montana Legislature
  • Successfully advocated for Whitefish's ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) ordinance

2024

Building Momentum

  • Launched an AARP-funded local housing design competition
  • Facilitated approvals for market-rate and affordable housing projects
  • Commissioned independent polling of Flathead County voters on housing policy

2025

Defending & Expanding

  • Continued advocacy during the 2025 Montana legislative session
  • Defending 2023 legislative wins at the Montana Supreme Court
  • Leading community input on "Vision 2045" — Whitefish's growth policy update

Our Leadership

Led by Your Neighbors

ShelterWF is guided by a volunteer board and staff who live and work in the Flathead Valley. Our leaders bring experience in policy, urban planning, community organizing, and local government — all united by a shared commitment to making housing work for everyone.

Meet the Board & Staff
ShelterWF board and community leaders

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Join the Movement

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Get policy updates, action alerts, and event invitations delivered to your inbox.

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Fund the Fight

Your donation directly supports lobbying, research, community events, and legal defense of housing reforms.

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Learn More

Explore our research, policy positions, and the data behind the Whitefish housing crisis.

See Our Work

ShelterWF is proudly non-partisan. We work with elected officials, civic organizations, and community members across the political spectrum to solve the housing shortage.

200+

Community Supporters

3

Legislative Sessions

2022

Founded

Whitefish, MT

Headquartered

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2026

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Shaping the Future

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  • Commissioned independent voter survey of 615 Flathead County residents showing strong majority support for housing density and mixed-use zoning
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