Idaho's Homeless Population Benefits from $1.26 Million Federal Grant

BOISE - A $1.26 million Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance HUD grant was recently awarded to provide housing and support services for Idaho's homeless, according to Idaho Housing and Finance Association officials. Three nonprofit homeless service providers - South Central Community Action Agency in Twin Falls ($568,275), Moscow-based Sojourners' Alliance ($499,800), and El-Ada, Inc. in Boise ($193,000) - will use their grant award to provide approximately 30 total units of transitional housing for homeless families and individuals in their areas over the next three years.

"We're very pleased to have received 1999 grant funds," said Gerald Hunter, IHFA president and executive director. "Our staff spent nearly three months putting this complex grant application together with input from housing partners statewide. It's very gratifying to see their hard work benefit so many."

Idaho's 1999 Continuum of Care application was a joint effort by IHFA and its housing partners who met last summer to determine how much homeless funding each community needed and where they needed it most. From these meetings, eight proposals were included in the state's consolidated application. HUD evaluated Idaho's application along with others from across the nation based on federal grant criteria and available funding. This is the fourth year Idaho has received Continuum of Care funds based on its nationally competitive application.

Transitional housing provides a bridge to economic independence for homeless who live in shelters and are ready for more permanent housing opportunities. Homeless are encouraged to stay up to 24 months in their transitional homes while they work towards career or future housing goals. Supportive services like childcare, employment assistance, mental health treatment and education are offered to help these individuals and families improve their situation.

"These federal funds are critical in helping Idaho's homeless permanently break the welfare cycle," said Hunter. "They provide an invaluable opportunity for families to focus on getting back on track."

The Idaho Housing and Finance Association, a financial services and housing organization, provides funding for affordable housing in Idaho communities where they are most needed and when it is economically feasible. IHFA uses no state funds or state employees to support its operations.