Homelessness

According to an annual survey, homelessness rates in Ada County are on the rise, paralleling the region's growing housing crisis.

Housing assistance funding provided by the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act is running out, which could affect already rising evictions in the Treasure Valley.

For those experiencing homelessness fulfilling immediate needs around food, shelter and safety are incredibly important. However, it’s also important, that as people, we are able to fulfill needs that aren't just centered around survival, but also joy.

Here in Idaho two groups are helping to prevent evictions and keep people housed.

The organizations have been working to move people from unsafe housing situations, sometimes without heat and running water, to hotel rooms, where the families would pay a portion of the cost. But, they knew those rooms would be occupied intermittently over the course of the winter ski season.

Nonprofits that noticed an uptick in people needing food and shelter last fall are continuing to sound the alarm, as winter temperatures and the heart of the tourism season force people into sometimes unsafe housing situations.

During the daytime it can be difficult for those experiencing homelessness to find a place to get out of the cold or heat. However, one organization in Boise is helping to fill this need.

The 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report shows that over the last two years, the overall number of people experiencing homelessness increased by less than 1%.

For the first time, Nampa is designating public buildings as warming spaces for those who need to escape elements during the day. The initiative was prompted by one Northwest Nazarene University student .

Mental health and substance use issues often dominate conversations around homelessness, but researchers and social workers in Idaho are drawing attention to the housing shortage as its main cause.