An anonymous benefactor has donated $40 million to Yellowstone National Park, and the money has been specifically earmarked to build affordable housing for park staff to live in.
During the peak tourist season, the park employs more than 3,000 people, but for several years there have been problems finding suitable housing for its workforce.
Part of the housing shortage is because wealthy wildlife lovers have purchased homes near the park paying the equivalent of big-city prices.
It leaves little for those looking for short-term rentals or affordable housing.
In turn, the lack of inventory means that a number of critical jobs remain unfilled and potential applicants are discouraged by the lack of options when it comes to housing.
A generous benefactor has donated $40 million to Yellowstone National Park to alleviate the long-standing housing crisis facing its 3,000 employees.
“I can count at least five critical positions that we have tried to recruit for, but were turned away by the applicant due to lack of housing,” said park Superintendent Cam Sholly, pictured.
Yellowstone has many employee trailers dating back to the 1960s that represent some of the worst employee housing in the national park system, but the new cash will be used to build modular homes.
“I can count at least five critical positions that we tried to recruit for, but were turned away by the applicant due to lack of accommodations,” park Superintendent Cam Sholly told NPR.
The $40 million donation, made through the National Park Foundation, will be used to build about 70 housing units within the park.
The foundation’s executive director, Will Shafroth, expressed hope that the philanthropic gesture will inspire similar initiatives in other national parks.
“These people are public servants and they deserve a great place to come back and call home,” Shafroth said.
Yellowstone had traditionally relied on nearby cities to house about half of its staff.
But as park visitation rates have skyrocketed to record levels, the availability of affordable rentals has declined and landlords have converted long-term rentals to short-term accommodations.
Finding housing near the park has become increasingly difficult.
During the peak tourist season, the park employs more than 3,000 people, but for several years there have been problems finding suitable housing for its workforce.
Yellowstone has many employee trailers dating back to the 1960s that represent some of the worst employee housing in the national park system, but this new money will be used to build modular homes.
Some of the old cabins built in the 60s are in poor condition and in the process of being demolished.
The old style cabins are in poor condition and urgently need to be replaced.
The interior of the new homes is a great improvement and has all the modern conveniences.
Finding accommodation near the park has become increasingly difficult for staff
New Housing for Yellowstone Seasonal Employees Considered Completed
“Nothing has ever felt as homely as Gardiner,” said Assea Mills, a self-employed Yellowstone guide who was forced to leave the area due to rising costs.
“The decision to lift and move my bed has been one of the biggest anguishes of my life. Incredibly difficult, because of how place-based our lives are,” she stated.
Caroline Gold began archeology work in Yellowstone in 2021, relocating from Texas.
But as soon as he saw the cost of housing in the area, he quickly regretted his decision.
‘Am I going to have to leave my job because there is no accommodation here?’ she asked herself.
Eventually, he accepted a job in the eastern part of the country, where the cost of living is substantially lower and with better housing availability.
Old trailers from the 60s are being phased out in favor of modular homes
Here, the same location but with new houses on the site.
Yellowstone staff are seen smiling for the camera. During peak tourist season, the park employs more than 3,000 people.
One of the new modular homes is seen being placed into position.
Last years park report Show homes in nearby gateway cities, like Gardiner, Montana, which are nearly double the national average and are more like Seattle or Denver in price than rural Montana, with prices close to $1 million.
The increase in the cost of living and the increase in the number of vacation rentals have only further aggravated the real estate crisis in the area, depleting local supply.
The crisis extends beyond Yellowstone and affects numerous parks, including Acadia and Yosemite, all grappling with the difficulties of providing affordable housing for their staff.