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Boise City Council Dedicates $2M To Fight Family Homelessness

Boise, City Hall, City Of Trees
Lacey Daley
/
Boise State Public Radio

Boise City Council is moving ahead with an $8.4 million plan to end homelessness for local families.

The city says more than 300 struggling families reach out for help every year. Officials say this money would help these families over the next five years – mostly to prevent them from becoming homeless in the first place.

The city would use it to pay rent or security deposits, along with other services. City officials would also partner with property managers to rent out dedicated units for families who need longer-term help.

Councilmember Lisa Sánchez lost her home to foreclosure nearly 10 years ago. Sánchez said it’s important to send the message that it’s okay to set aside your pride and reach out for help when you need it.

“Everybody should know that their community will not let them down and will show up for them. And what I like about this program is it says that about our community – that we really are kind and we are not going to let you fall,” she said.

Outgoing Mayor Dave Bieter outlined the program in his final state of the city address earlier this fall.

The move comes one day after the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to take up a case involving Boise's anti-camping ordinance.

The city has chipped in $2 million and will raise the remaining $6.4 million from other sources over the next five years.

After that, officials say it’ll cost about $1 million each year to keep the program going.

Follow James Dawson on Twitter @RadioDawson for more local news.

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I cover politics and a bit of everything else for Boise State Public Radio. Outside of public meetings, you can find me fly fishing, making cool things out of leather or watching the Seattle Mariners' latest rebuilding season. If you have a tip, please get in touch!

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