IHFA Announces Reorganization of Blackfoot Branch Office into Idaho Falls 
Effective Nov. 1

BOISE - The Blackfoot Branch Office, of the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), is being merged into the Idaho Falls office - 1302 E. 17th Street in Idaho Falls - effective Nov. 1, 1998, according to IHFA officials. Blackfoot office customers can contact the new office at 522-6002. In addition, IHFA has created a Pocatello outreach office for clients without transportation, at Cedar View Apartments, 1155 E. Cedar. This new office will serve customers every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The move consolidates two IHFA branch offices located only 30 miles apart and creates an additional smaller customer service office. It provides a more cost-effective way to serve the more than 1,000 rental-assistance families in the two areas and offers IHFA considerable savings on administrative costs.

Both offices administer federal rental assistance programs that help low-income families and elderly or disabled individuals obtain decent, affordable rental housing. Customers in both areas will continue to receive the same reputable service from IHFA.

"Since 1983, IHFA has helped build stronger, more stable families throughout Southern Idaho with rental assistance for those in greatest need," said Gerald Hunter, IHFA president and executive director. "Our office consolidation will save thousands in federal dollars and benefit customers with greater flexibility when choosing their home location."

The new combined office will serve 16 counties that include: Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Caribou, Clark, Custer, Franklin, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, Oneida, Power, and Teton.

"We expect the consolidation of our Blackfoot and Idaho Falls offices to be seamless," said Julie Williams, vice president Community Housing Services. "There will be no service interruption to tenants and landlords participating in our programs."

IHFA has three other similar branches in Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston and Twin Falls. All IHFA branch offices offer several federal rental assistance programs to lower-income families and individuals. Customers or landlords with additional questions about the merger should contact Martha Tweedy, Idaho Falls branch office supervisor.