Southwest Montana News

Governor Greg Gianforte has announced that Montana has applied for federal funding to construct a sixth cottage at the Southwest Montana Veterans Home (SWMVH) in Butte. The application was submitted to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“We’re committed to ensuring Montana veterans receive the resources they need following their selfless service to our nation,” Gov. Gianforte stated. “With the state’s $2 million investment for the sixth cottage, we’ll build on the exemplary care that the Southwest Montana Veterans Home is providing our veterans.”

The SWMVH currently consists of five cottages, each with 12 bedrooms, accommodating 44 veterans and their spouses. The proposed addition will increase capacity to house up to 72 veterans.

In its request to the VA State Home Construction Grant Program, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) asked for funding covering 65% from federal sources and 35% from state funds for the estimated $5.7 million project. Governor Gianforte has secured $2 million in state funding.

The facility serves Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Jefferson, Madison, Powell, and Silver Bow counties, which are home to about 4,000 veterans aged 65 and over according to VA statistics. This demographic represents approximately 9% of Montana's veteran population.

The new cottage aims to address an increasing demand for specialized care services including those needed by individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, among other conditions.

Designed like a home environment, each cottage includes private bedrooms and bathrooms along with shared kitchen and living spaces. The community center functions as a central hub offering various amenities such as a multi-purpose room, barber/beauty shop, reception areas, administrative offices, medical exam room, and therapy gym that provides physical therapy as well as occupational and speech therapies along with outpatient care for local veterans.