Nonprofits that provide essential housing services in Idaho communities could receive more than $200,000 in a funding boost this month thanks to the Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge.

This online fundraising campaign, presented by The Home Partnership Foundation and its eight corporate sponsors, helps provide critical resources for Idaho's homeless.

"Homelessness affects Idahoans from all walks of life - from students and families to veterans and the elderly," said Gerald M. Hunter, president of the Foundation and IHFA. "Meeting their basic housing needs is a daunting challenge, especially at a time when traditional funding sources aren't keeping pace with demand. If you care about reducing homelessness in your community, this is a great opportunity to help."

Donors are encouraged to go to www.avenuesforhope.org from Dec. 10 through Dec. 31 to learn about the 31 nonprofits and track their fundraising progress. In addition to the money they raise through individual donations, nonprofits are eligible for portions of $200,000 in grants from the Foundation, a 501(c)(3) created by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association. Last year, Avenues for Hope had a $233,469 impact on homelessness in Idaho. More than $380,000 has been donated through the campaign since its inception in 2011.

For more information, go to avenuesforhope.org, call 208-331-4756 or email afh@ihfa.org. You can follow the campaign on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HomePartnershipFoundation) and Twitter (@avenuesforhope).

North Idaho nonprofits participating in Avenues for Hope include Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse, Family Promise of North Idaho, Family Promise of the Palouse, Lewiston-Clarkston Partners Habitat for Humanity, Sojourners' Alliance and St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho.

2014 corporate sponsors are The Bank of Commerce, Barclays Capital, Citigroup, Citizens Community Bank, Idaho Housing and Finance Association, KeyBank Foundation, Mountain West Bank and Wells Fargo.