Homeless

With much of Idaho under an excessive heat warning through Saturday, some of Boise’s most vulnerable populations are turning to shelters for relief.

It’s now legal again to give someone a ticket for sleeping or camping on public property.

The summer heat as arrived and in the Treasure Valley, Our Path Home has implemented its summer cooling plan. Our Path Home has expanded the number of emergency cooling locations across Boise.

As summer gets underway and temperatures continue to rise many people are turning up the AC. But for those experiencing homelessness, combating the heat isn't as easy.

A just-released federal government report reveals that homelessness across the U.S. surged by 12% this year, the highest year-to-year increase on record. And earlier this year, the first Point-in-Time count since the pandemic marked a 6% increase in homeless men, women and children in Ada County.

The church basement is open from 8:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. when the overnight temperature is 29 degrees or below.

As the number of evictions continue to rise in the Treasure Valley, two nonprofits are asking mayoral candidates what their plans are to address the growing homeless population.

Interfaith Sanctuary is working to get its most vulnerable unhoused residents into cooled spaces after air conditioning at the Red Lion Boise Downtowner Hotel failed earlier this month.

The Kamiah School District in North Idaho serves around 400 students. About 10% of those students are homeless, said Terry Law, the district’s family support liaison.

Nampa’s only family shelter is set to close at the end of February despite growing demand for housing assistance. The Salvation Army is seeking donations from the community to remain open.