Housing drive raises millions for Idaho nonprofits

Since its inception in 2011, the Idaho Housing and Finance’s foundation has raised more than $20.7 million through its annual Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge. Last year, the drive broke the previous record, bringing in more than $5.2 million in less than a month.

According to organizers, the funds will benefit 99 nonprofit organizations in Idaho that provide much-needed housing and supportive services to those who require assistance.

A whopping $4.4 million was raised by 50 nonprofits in southwest Idaho, with a record being set for the largest single donation being made for $1 million which went to LEAP Housing. The donation helped LEAP raise $1.3 million, which was the most money raised in the southwest region. Other nonprofits raised impressive amounts as well, with Interfaith Sanctuary raising $807,658 and Jesse Tree raising $564,205.

“As demand for housing and supportive services grows rapidly in our state, it is incredible to see so many Idahoans step up to help our neighbors,” said Gerald M. Hunter, president of Idaho Housing and Finance. “Our sincere appreciation goes out to the thousands of generous donors, sponsors and especially to the dedicated nonprofits across Idaho that provide for those in desperate need.”

Donations can still be made at the Home Partnership Foundation website for those who missed the drive.

The nonprofits which participate in the challenge are as follows:

• Advocates Against Family Violence
• Agency for New Americans, by Jannus Inc.
• Anna Grace Foundation, Inc.
• Boise Public Schools Foundation
• Boise Rescue Mission Ministries
• CATCH
• Chrysalis Women’s Transitional Living, Inc.
• Corpus Commons
• Education Foundation of West Ada School District
• El-Ada Community Action Partnership
• Elmore County Domestic Violence Council
• Emmett Independent School District #221
• Faces of Hope
• Family Justice Center Foundation of Idaho
• Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Centers
• Good Samaritan Home
• Green Light Outreach
• Idaho Access Project
• Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition
• Idaho Community Reinvestment Corporation
• Idaho Hispanic Foundation
• Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce
• Idaho Youth Ranch
• Interfaith Sanctuary Homeless Shelter
• Intermountain Fair Housing Council
• International Rescue Committee in Boise
• JEMfriends, Inc.
• Jesse Tree
• LEAP Housing
• Low Income Support, Inc.
• NeighborWorks Boise
• Purses With a Purpose Boise
• Region 3 Housing Coalition
• Rise Up 2 Thrive
• Safe Families for Children Treasure Valley
• Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho
• Shepherd’s Home
• Terry Reilly Health Services
• The Community Builder
• The Community Center
• The Home Partnership Foundation
• The House Next Door
• The Housing Company
• The Salvation Army – Boise
• The Salvation Army Caldwell
• The Salvation Army Nampa
• Toby’s Place, Inc.
• Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity
• Trinity New Hope
• WCA