Grant makes expanded home repair program possible in Boise

A grant from the Affordable Housing Program will allow a Boise nonprofit to expand its home repair program to qualifying homeowners.

NeighborWorks Boise is the recipient of a $750,000 grant through the AHP from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines in partnership with D.L. Evans Bank, a member of FHLB Des Moines. The funds will be used to support NeighborWorks Boise’s Home Repair Program, which provides “critical repairs for homeowners living at low- and moderate-income levels.”

Services like electrical, plumbing, roofing and HVAC repairs are among those provided through the program and serves owner-occupied homes within Ada and Canyon counties. The repairs can receive funds from $15,000 to $22,000, all free to the qualifying homeowners.

“This funding is transformational for the homeowners we serve,” said Bud Compher, CEO of NeighborWorks Boise. “Many low-income seniors, veterans and people with disabilities live in aging homes that require essential repairs to remain safe and livable. We’re looking forward to assisting more of our neighbors in making these critical repairs through this partnership. We’re deeply grateful to D.L. Evans Bank and FHLB Des Moines for investing in Idaho families and the future of safe, stable housing.”

Along with residing in Ada and Canyon counties, recipients of the services must own and occupy the home, earn at or below 80% of the area median income, have repairs that are within the eligible cost range and scope of the program, and they must complete a one-hour counseling session with a HUD-certified Housing Counselor through the NeighborWorks program.

The grant is part of FHLB Des Moines’ efforts to allocate 10% of its annual net income to affordable housing efforts throughout 13 states and three U.S. Territories, a release stated. The Affordable Housing Program, to date, has delivered more than $834 million in funding in the past 35 years, serving more than 95,500 families.

“D.L. Evans Bank is proud to support NeighborWorks Boise in its mission to create sustainable housing solutions for underserved populations,” said Brad Lish, vice president and branch manager at D.L. Evans Bank. “This partnership reflects our long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities we serve.”