Blog
Welcome to Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s new blog, where you will learn about our many products and services, their impact in Idaho, and related industry news and announcements. Read about our team’s activities as we work together to fulfill our mission to improve lives and strengthen communities in Idaho.
Rate Relief for First-Time Homebuyers in Idaho
Buying your first home in Idaho just got more affordable. Idaho Housing recently increased income and sales price limits for its First Loan Tax-Exempt home loan product. This means more first-time homebuyers can now access lower rates, often up to 1% lower than other loan programs! In addition to lower rates, eligible buyers can access...
How the Family Self-Sufficiency Program put an Idaho woman on the path to homeownership
Kiesha can see the finish line. With just two semesters left to complete her master’s degree in social work, she’s looking to the future. She’s putting plans together for her private practice and thinking about the freedom it will give her to set her own hours. She’s thinking about the extra time she’ll spend with...
A Bright Future for a Local Charter School
Step onto the campus at Future Public School in Garden City and you’ll find yourself enveloped in a world of possibility. The charter school is home to about 400 “engineers” who make up the student body, spanning Kindergarten through 6th grade. The school says it embraces a modern view of engineer-centered learning, where students learn...
Addressing a lack of affordable housing in Teton County
With its amazing views of the Teton mountains, easy access to the great outdoors and world-class skiing at their doorstep, it’s easy to see why people would want to call the city of Driggs home. Over the past few years, the Idaho community has seen an influx of people moving into the area. Others have...
Homelessness in Idaho
Affordable housing is an issue garnering a lot of headlines lately across the country and here in Idaho. It’s an issue facing more and more Idahoans as they struggle to cope with rent burden and the risk of becoming homeless. As part of our mission, Idaho Housing and Finance leads a coordinated effort to address...
Transforming a Boise family’s house into a home
A Boise family that had been living in a local shelter now has a fully furnished home to call their own, thanks in part to the Avenues for Hope campaign and Treger Strasberg, founder of Humble Design. The woman, who is taking care of her six-year-old grandson, worked with CATCH to find a place to...
Avenues for Hope celebrates a record year
Nonprofits from around Idaho gathered in downtown Boise to celebrate a record year for the Avenues for Hope housing challenge. Many of the participating organizations were there to receive recognition for their fundraising efforts during the 2022 campaign, which ended Dec. 31. This year, Jesse Tree topped the list of most money raised. They brought...
Kids across Idaho show us “What Makes a House a Home”
Kids across Idaho are showing off their creativity and being rewarded for it, thanks to the second annual “What Makes a House a Home” calendar contest. Idaho Housing and Finance in partnership with the Home Partnership Foundation created the project for children who live in income-based housing or who participate in housing programs around the...
Homeless to Housed: Program helps Magic Valley man into a home
If you’ve lived in the Magic Valley long enough, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered Reggie. His famous custom jingles at a local drive-thru earned him fame in the Twin Falls community. But when Reggie fell on hard times, he found himself homeless and living in his car. Thanks to the Emergency Housing Voucher program...
Idaho housing nonprofits get a $2.7 million boost
Idaho nonprofits got a big boost this holiday season thanks to the 12th annual Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge. The campaign raised nearly $2.7 million over 20 days, benefiting 88 Idaho nonprofits. The money will help organizations throughout the state that provide housing and supportive services to Idahoans in need. In Southwest Idaho, nonprofits raised...
Children on what makes a House a Home
Idaho Housing and Finance created a scholarship opportunity for children who live in income-based housing or who participate in housing programs around the state. Idaho youths in elementary school, middle school and high school submitted illustrations and a description of “What Makes a House a Home.” One winner in each age category received a $1,000...
Avenues for Hope raises more than $2.5 million for Idaho nonprofits
Idaho nonprofits got a big boost this holiday season thanks to the annual Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge. The 2021 campaign raised more than $2.5 million over 23 days, benefiting 88 Idaho nonprofits. The money will help organizations throughout the state that provide critical housing and supportive services to Idahoans in need. In Southwest Idaho,...
Financial backing helps grow small businesses
It’s no secret that a successful small business involves a lot of hard work, as well as strong financial backing. When people think of Idaho Housing and Finance, they might not realize that we play a role in making sure small businesses across the state have access to the capital they need. Our Collateral Support...
More affordable housing comes to Blaine County
Affordable housing is on the minds of many across Idaho as the state has seen property values soar over the past decade. The issue has been an especially hot topic in Blaine County, where climbing home values and soaring rents have forced working-class people and seniors on fixed budgets to leave the region in search...
Future Homebuyers: Start Smart, Start Here
Whether you are a homebuyer or you are working to become one, Finally Home! is the right choice for you. Finally Home! offers the essential education and expert support to ensure that everyone has the opportunity for a safe, stable home where they can flourish. It even helps move-up homebuyers and renters. We believe so...
Avenues for Hope provides a boost to housing nonprofits in Idaho
The 11th annual Avenues for Hope campaign is kicking off the holiday giving season to help nonprofits provide critical housing and support services to Idahoans in need. The online fundraising campaign, which runs from December 9th through the 31st, is put together by the Home Partnership Foundation and Idaho Housing and Finance Association. It helps...
The partnerships and projects that make Idaho communities better
Every year, the mission of Idaho Housing and Finance employees is to do our best for the people we serve. The work our organization does is the focus of our annual Community Report, which highlights the people we serve, our partnerships and the reasons behind what we do. Idaho Housing is proud to showcase our...
Idaho Housing and Finance looks to the future with eNotes
Technology has changed the way people buy homes and Idaho Housing and Finance is helping lead the way with the introduction of its eNote program. eNote technology allows Idaho Housing to securely accept, purchase and deliver electronic mortgage notes through the Mortgage Electronic Registration System. MERS says use of eNotes grew 261% in 2020. “Accepting...
Should you Refinance?
The idea of lowering mortgage payments, consolidating debt, or having extra cash on hand can be alluring. You’ll know if refinancing is your best financial move after crunching a few numbers. Let’s get started! Two types of refinanced mortgages: rate-and-term or cash-out When you’re asking a lender to consider you for a mortgage refinance, you’re...
Help available for Idaho renters facing eviction
Ensuring that Idahoans can safely and affordably stay in their homes has been – and will continue to be – our priority. With Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling that lifted the eviction moratorium, it’s more important than ever to help Idaho renters who face the possibility of eviction or utility disruption because of financial hardships caused...
Banking leader joins Idaho Housing and Finance board
Longtime Idaho banker Tracy Silver is the newest member of the Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s board of commissioners. Silver has 38 years of experience in the banking industry, including 27 years in senior management. His financial experience underscores his commitment to serving Idaho’s growing communities. “Idaho Housing plays an important role in our state,”...
Tips for Lowering Your Monthly Utility Bills
The article below is one of the many in our Finally Home! Homeowner’s Toolkit, which was created to help homeowners on a variety of topics. The toolkit is a great guide for new homeowners as well as seasoned homeowners, and includes topics such as staying current on your mortgage, refinancing, insurance, budgeting and home maintenance....
More financial help for Idaho renters
A new round of funding means Idaho renters affected by COVID-19 can again receive short-term rent and utility support through Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s Housing Preservation Program. The program, which helps Idahoans experiencing financial hardship because of the pandemic, is accepting applications again for people living outside of Ada County. Renters can go to...
Avenues for Hope fundraiser helps boost Idaho nonprofits
The Avenues for Hope fundraising campaign kicked off the holiday season on Dec. 10 to help 80 Idaho nonprofits that provide essential housing and support services for Idahoans experiencing homelessness. The online fundraising campaign runs through Dec. 31. The 10th annual campaign, put together by The Home Partnership Foundation and Idaho Housing and Finance Association,...
Lower mortgage rates for Idaho’s essential workers
We’ve seen what an important role essential workers in Idaho have played during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you are a law enforcement officer, firefighter, paramedic, nurse, doctor, teacher, retail employee, or a current or former member of the military, you’ve stepped up for all of us. Now, Idaho Housing and Finance Association wants to say...
Homelessness in Idaho still a concern, Point In Time count shows
In 2020, more than 2,000 people in Idaho experienced homelessness on any given night, according to the annual Point in Time count. The one-day snapshot of sheltered and unsheltered people took place Jan. 22. It found there were 2,315 people without a place to live across Idaho, the same number counted in 2019. You can read...
Financial help available for Idaho renters
Idaho renters affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for financial assistance through Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s Housing Preservation Program. The program, which is available only to renters, provides short-term rent and utility support for Idahoans experiencing financial hardship because of the pandemic. To qualify, renters must have a current household income of 80% of...
Escrow: It’s not as confusing as it sounds
It’s that time of year when you may be receiving annual property assessments, offering you a preview of what your tax bill may look like this fall. Even though you owe property taxes, there’s a good chance you won’t have to write a check. That’s because if you have a mortgage, your escrow account will...
IHFA’s new board member discusses affordable housing, economic development
Boise attorney Scot Ludwig is the newest member of the Idaho Housing and Finance Association board of commissioners. Ludwig has extensive experience in local government, law, real estate and business. His past service as a member of the Boise City Council and the Capital City Development Corporation underscore his commitment to providing affordable housing and...
Idaho housing nonprofits awarded $380,000 for Covid-19 response
Thousands of Idahoans will continue to have access to safe and stable housing thanks to the Home Partnership Foundation and its corporate partners. The Wells Fargo Foundation, Micron and Idaho Housing and Finance Association each donated $100,000 to the foundation’s COVID-19 Housing Rapid Response Fund, which supports Idaho nonprofits that provide essential housing services. The...
Avenues for Hope tops $160,000 in less than two days!
The 9th Annual Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge is off to its best-ever start with more than $160,000 raised. In a little less than 48 hours, Avenues for Hope eclipsed the amount raised in the first two years of the campaign. The online fundraising campaign assists 80 nonprofits that manage the day-to-day work of helping Idahoans...
Adare Manor brings more affordable housing to downtown Boise
Communities all across the country are grappling with how they can finance and build more affordable housing. In Ada County, the vacancy rate for affordable rental units is less than one percent. “That virtually means that there are people standing in line to take over an apartment that someone is leaving. So essentially it’s a...
HUD’s Carson: Innovation, partnerships key to affordable housing
The importance of innovation and partnerships was the message U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson brought with him to Idaho. “We’re encouraging and welcoming innovative housing in our neighborhoods,” Secretary Carson said during a stop in the Boise area on Aug. 12. Secretary Carson joined U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), Idaho...
Community partners break ground on affordable housing development that will help house homeless veterans
There are more than 700 veterans experiencing homelessness in the state of Idaho. A population that makes up just about 13 percent of the total population of homelessness in the Gem State. Unfortunately, Ada County sees a slightly higher rate (14 percent) of veterans experiencing homelessness. A coalition of community partners are working to make...
Shelters to shipping containers: Idaho nonprofits work to meet housing needs
Over the past eight years, the Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge has helped raise more than $3 million for almost 70 Idaho nonprofits that provide safe, stable, and affordable housing for Idahoans. The three-week campaign, which takes place every December, has become the single-largest fundraiser for many Idaho housing nonprofits. The 2018 campaign was another...
The face of homelessness
Every morning, Cynthia makes an hour-long drive from her three-bedroom home among the hop fields of Wilder to the city lights of Boise. A routine she repeats each evening as she works to provide for her family. “I am working toward sustainability,” said Cynthia. Every mile, a step toward stability for her and her family....
How you can become an informed homebuyer
Many people can still remember their first home. They can remember how the back yard was the perfect size for their pet or how they loved the color of the hardwood floors. Buying your first home is a wonderful experience, but it can be intimidating. You hear terms you may not even think are words,...
Boise State study hopes to paint a clearer picture of Idaho’s eviction rate
When people think of evictions they think of someone not paying their rent or possibly violating the terms of a lease. However, a person can be kicked out of his or her home for many reasons. Take, for instance, residents of the North Fork Trailer Park north of Ketchum. More than two dozen families came home...
Twin Falls brewery uses Idaho small-business program to open its doors
Twin Falls is experiencing a downtown transformation. New sidewalks and buildings are under construction and innovative businesses are opening. One of those businesses, Koto Brewing Co., is the lifelong dream of owner Shane Cook. His vision for a brewery, which opened its doors in December, is reality thanks to a unique Idaho small-business program. The Collateral Support Program helps small...
Housing nonprofits receive leg up during holiday season
The Avenues for Hope housing challenge raised a record amount for participating nonprofits on the front lines of fighting homelessness. The 20-day campaign, which ran from Dec. 12 through Dec. 31, raised $875,493 for 51 nonprofits. This year’s total surpassed 2017’s total by more than a $150,000. This year, there were more than 2,600 donors...
The government shutdown: What it means for affordable housing in Idaho
[Updated: Jan. 16, 2019] Is Idaho Housing and Finance Association closed? No. It is operating normally. Idaho Housing and Finance Association is neither a state nor a federal government organization. Idaho Housing is a self-supporting corporation and does not use state-appropriated funds, but it does partner with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development...
Avenues for Hope provides community safety net for housing nonprofits
The 8th annual Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge kicked off on Dec. 12. The online fundraiser, organized by Idaho Housing and Finance Association in conjunction with The Home Partnership Foundation, supports 55 participating nonprofits that manage the day-to-day work of serving the more than 7,000 students and 4,000 other Idahoans affected by homelessness. The online campaign...
New Path becomes first “Housing First” development in Idaho
New Path Community Housing Development in Boise opened its doors as Idaho’s first “Housing First” Permanent Supportive Housing development. New Path houses 40 people battling chronic homelessness and provides wrap-around services to help residents achieve stability. Housing First is a shift from the more traditional approach to caring for the homeless. Housing First prioritizes and provides those experiencing chronic homelessness...
States look to Boise to help solve homelessness issue
Homelessness is an issue that’s impacting people all across the United States. A crisis hitting the streets from Portland, Oregon to New York City. Last year, the Point-in-Time Count estimated 553,742 people were homeless on a single night, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It’s the first increase in the PIT Count since...
Homeownership a new reality for Idaho veteran
Tom is a 66-year-old Vietnam War veteran, who always dreamed of owning a home. “You never quite feel at home if you don’t own it,” he says. Tom’s dream of homeownership eventually become a reality this past year after qualifying for a home loan through Idaho Housing and Finance Association. Growing up, Tom put his...
Modular homes deliver a new affordable housing option for Idaho
Organizations across the United States are working to answer the same question: How do we build more affordable housing? Some are taking unconventional approaches to the housing shortage. The demand has put pressure on cities and developers to build more affordable housing quickly. Close to home, modular homes are gaining a foothold. The Housing Company tapped into...
A new tool makes it easier to apply for rental assistance
Applying for Housing Choice Vouchers, also known as Section 8 Vouchers, through Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) just got a lot easier. “We’re excited to announce that we now have an online portal for applicants,” said Lisa Stevens, senior manager for Idaho Housing’s Rental Assistance Program. Applicants no longer have to print and mail...
What’s driving Boise’s hot housing market?
There’s no question Idaho is growing. Fast. The Idaho Department of Labor projects the Gem State’s population will reach almost 2 million by 2025. The bulk of that growth is taking place in Southwest Idaho. The Boise metropolitan area, by some measures, has even been tabbed the fastest-growing area in the country. The population boom is having...
Cottonwood Apartments provides affordable housing for Eagle seniors
Idaho has been dubbed one of the top places to retire. Many cite the Gem State’s quality of life and affordability as the reasons they choose to live here. However, as the population rises, rents inch up. Every increase affects those, like the Treasure Valley senior community, who are on fixed incomes. The Cottonwood Meadows Affordable Senior...
5 things you can do to protect your home from the winter
As the leaves turn yellow and the mornings become brisk, it’s evident that fall is officially here. A stark reminder that winter is only a few short months away. The next few months of fall are an ideal time for you to make repairs and winterize your home before those short, cold days are here....
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