Idaho nonprofits aim for a share of more than $112,000 to help homeless

Nonprofits that provide essential housing services in communities throughout Idaho could receive a $200,000 funding boost this month through the Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge. The Home Partnership Foundation is spearheading the grassroots, online campaign to help organizations that provide critical resources for Idaho’s homeless during a time when they need it the most.

Donors are encouraged to go to www.avenuesforhope.org from Dec. 10 through Dec. 31 to learn about the campaign and support the 35 participating nonprofits in the state. In addition to the money they raise through individual donations, the nonprofits are eligible for portions of up to $112,000 in grants and matching funds from the Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization created by Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), and other sponsors. Last year, the Avenues for Hope campaign made a $100,000 impact on homelessness in Idaho, raising more than $53,000 in individual donations and awarding $47,000 in grants.

“Homelessness can affect all kinds of people in our communities, from students, veterans and the elderly to entire families,” said Gerald M. Hunter, president of the Foundation and IHFA. “Helping Idahoans who find themselves homeless during the winter months is an overwhelming challenge for service providers across the state, which is why we are working hard to double the amount of money we raise this year.” For more information, go to avenuesforhope.org, call 208‐331‐4756 or email afh@ihfa.org.

The nonprofit organizations participating in the campaign are:

North Idaho:

Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse; Family Promise of Lewis Clark Valley, Inc.; Family Promise of North Idaho; Family Promise of the Palouse; Fresh Start; Lewiston‐Clarkston Partners Habitat for Humanity; Sojourners’ Alliance; St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho; The Guardians Foundation.

Southwest Idaho:

Advocates Against Family Violence; Canyon County Habitat for Humanity; CATCH, Inc.; Catholic Charities of Idaho; Corpus Christi House — STEP UP Education Center; Idaho Youth Ranch; Interfaith Sanctuary Housing Services, Inc.; Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.; Organization Assisting The Homeless Student (OATHS); Supportive Housing and Innovative Partnerships, Inc.; The Good Samaritan Home; The Jesse Tree of Idaho; The Salvation Army of the Treasure Valley.

Southeast Idaho:

Aid for Friends, Inc.; Bannock Youth Foundation; Bingham Crisis Center; Blaine County Housing Authority; CLUB, Inc.; F.A.I.T.H; Idaho Falls Rescue Mission; Family Services Alliance of Southeast Idaho; Jubilee House, Inc.; Lemhi County Crisis Intervention; Mini‐Cassia Shelter; Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.; South Central Community Action Partnership.

2013 Sponsors:

AmericanWest Bank, Bank of Idaho, Barclays Capital, Citigroup, Citizens Community Bank, Idaho Housing and Finance Association, KeyBank Foundation, Mountain West Bank, The Bank of Commerce, Wells Fargo.

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The Home Partnership Foundation is a tax‐exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization created by Idaho Housing and Finance Association. Its mission is to help people build a strong foundation for their lives through safe, stable and affordable housing.