State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Contributes Salary to Support High School House Program
Donates quarter of annual governor’s salary to NeighborWorks Great Falls
GREAT FALLS, Mont. – On the seventh day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte today contributed a quarter of his annual salary to the NeighborWorks Great Falls High School House Program, which gives Montana students hands-on construction experience while building affordable homes for first-time homebuyers.
In October 2020, the governor committed to Montanans he would contribute his salary as governor to nonprofit organizations and charities in the state.
“As Montanans, we believe in hard work, opportunity, and giving back to our neighbors,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The High School House Program brings all three together as students learn in-demand skills, families achieve the dream of homeownership, and our communities growing stronger. As I continue my commitment to donating my annual salary, I am proud to support the work of these Great Falls students.”
Gov. Gianforte presenting a check for a quarter of his annual salary to the NeighborWorks Great Falls High School House Program
Founded in 1998, the High School House Program is a partnership between NeighborWorks Great Falls and Great Falls Public Schools. Each year, students from C.M. Russell and Great Falls High Schools spend the school year building a single-family home from the ground up under the guidance of skilled instructors and local tradespeople. When completed, each home is sold to a first-time homebuyer with low or moderate income. The program has built 48 homes since its founding.
“This hands-on learning opportunity allows these students to learn how to work together, communicate, and gain real skills in the construction industry,” said Sherrie Arey, Executive Director of NeighborWorks Great Falls. “The governor has been very supportive of nonprofits and a huge supporter of housing and increasing the supply of housing, so that combination helped resonate for him to make one of us one of his gifts this year. It’s a surprise and a wonderful Christmas present for us as we finish our 45th anniversary year.”
During his visit to the current build site, the governor met with students and instructors from Great Falls Public Schools who are helping construct the 48th High School House that is expected to be put on the market in May.
“Working on the house taught me that I can do more than I thought,” said Cale G., a junior at Great Falls High School. “It feels good to know a family will live in a home I helped build.”
“Our students leave this program ready to step into the workforce,” said Pete Pace, a Great Falls Public Schools teacher and instructor for the High School House Program. “They’re learning craftsmanship, teamwork, and pride in their work.”
NeighborWorks Great Falls purchases the lot, coordinates materials and subcontractors, and works with the City of Great Falls to make each project possible. The program connects classroom learning with hands-on experience, preparing students for careers in construction, engineering, and design. To learn more about NeighborWorks Great Falls and the High School House Program, visit nwgf.org/highschoolhouse.
Since taking office in January 2021, Gov. Gianforte has donated his salary to nonprofits and organizations that strengthen Montana communities. In the month of December, the governor’s fifth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign highlights the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.
- On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.
- On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the fifth annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.
- On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate.
- On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted the Montana Hope Project and encouraged Montanans to support its mission of granting wishes for children facing critical illnesses.
- On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted Underwater Soldiers and encouraged Montanans to support its mission of helping veterans heal while restoring Montana waterways.
- On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for the Threshold of Life memorial to honor the contributions of all organ, eye, and tissue donors in Montana.
- On the 7th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his salary to NeighborWorks Great Falls High School House Program to support workforce training for Montana students and increasing the supply of housing.
###