IHFA has committed $67,750 of matching IHFA funds toward the operations and supportive services provided to homeless clients served by Sojourners' Alliance. IHFA also is providing technical assistance to ensure that association dollars are used to assist Sojourners' in serving homeless clients.

"IHFA is very pleased to be able to assist Sojourners' in continuing to provide shelter and casework services to the local homeless population," said Julie Williams, vice president, Community Housing Services. "The work done by Sojourners' is a valuable asset to the community of Moscow, and with the support of the City and County and Sojourners' Board, we are excited about the future of Sojourners' Alliance."

Latah County has provided $5,000 toward Sojourners' Alliance operations. "The Board of Commissioners has been pleased to help fund this important service to our community. We look forward to a sustainable future for Sojourners' Alliance," said Latah County Commissioner Paul Kimmell.

Sojourners' will work together with IHFA to streamline their operations and reduce costs of the non-homeless client services. It is expected that Sojourners' will start using the IHFA funding April 1.

IHFA is collaborating with the City of Moscow's Planning & Zoning Department to ensure that Sojourners' complies with the city's requirements in order to receive a Certificate of Occupancy. Those items include landscaping, fencing, paving driveways, and installing a sump pump.

"The community is encouraged by the strides made by Sojourners' and the funding and technical assistance efforts on behalf of IHFA for Moscow's homeless population," said City Supervisor Gary Riedner. "We support everyone's effort and look forward to this partnership."

Since Sojourners' Alliance was funded in part by the state's affordable block grant HOME program, it is required to meet the housing-quality standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. IHFA was able to assist Sojourners' with the necessary funds to keep the operation moving forward. To complete the necessary upgrades, additional HOME program funds may be used in conjunction with a 25-percent match from IHFA's own resources. It is estimated that the additional work required to satisfy the City's requirements will cost $50,000-$80,000. IHFA and the City of Moscow will jointly identify a general contractor who can complete the work quickly, cost effectively, and to the necessary specifications.

Once the work is completed, IHFA's Compliance Department will conduct all annual physical inspections of the homeless and non-homeless housing units. In addition, the IHFA Compliance Department will conduct file review of the tenant files of all non-homeless tenants occupying the HOME-assisted housing units. Sojourners Alliance will be required to ensure that the units remain available as decent, safe, and sanitary affordable housing for at least 20 years.

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