‘We are getting that money’: United Way makes big fundraising push for Helena Inn with events

After a pause in fundraising for appraisals and behind-the-scenes work, United Way of the Lewis & Clark Area is making a final push for its $3.85 million goal to purchase the Helena Inn — but it’ll need the town’s help to get there.

The $3.85 million is part of a larger $5 million goal to restore and repurpose the Helena Inn at 2300 N. Oakes St. into a low-income housing facility.

While some of the remaining funds could be gathered later, the initial near-$4 million chunk to buy the building needs to be secured by the end of the year, Executive Director Emily McVey said.

“There is no backup plan,” McVey said. “We are getting that money.”

However, after needing to put fundraising on hold to appraise and evaluate the Helena Inn, along with a few other options that just won’t work, United Way only has a fraction of the price: $615,000.

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The United Way of the Lewis & Clark Area has plans to purchase the Helena Inn.

THOM BRIDGE, Independent Record

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