Avenues for Hope offers aid for the homeless
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 9 years AGO
The sixth annual Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge is underway, with 44 nonprofits from across the state raising funds to help continue and expand programs that care for the homeless and those in need of housing assistance.
Organized by Idaho Housing and Finance Association and its foundation, the Home Partnership Foundation, the 24-day campaign is designed to rally support for the participating nonprofits who manage the day-to-day work of serving the more than 4,000 homeless in Idaho.
Several nonprofits that serve the Coeur d’Alene area are participating: Safe Passage, Family Promise of North Idaho, Idaho Youth Ranch, St. Vincent de Paul and Union Gospel Mission.
Members of the public are encouraged to donate $25 or more at www.avenuesforhope.org to help the homeless in their community. Donors can direct their gift to one or more of the 44 participating nonprofits. This year’s campaign goal is $400,000. Donations will be accepted until midnight Dec. 31.
“The importance of providing affordable housing and services to displaced individuals and families is one of the core beliefs of our organization,” said Gerald M. Hunter, president of Idaho Housing. “We are excited to see nonprofit and sponsor participation in Avenues for Hope continue to increase each year. Through a united effort, we can ensure Idaho’s homeless receive the care and support they need.”
Both the chronically and temporarily homeless are helped by Avenues for Hope, including domestic violence victims, veterans, people with disabilities, vulnerable youths, seniors, and low-income Idaho residents. Donations support emergency shelters, homelessness prevention services, and affordable housing programs throughout the state. In total, Avenues for Hope’s participating nonprofits have received nearly $1 million in the past five years.
The Home Partnership Foundation along with Idaho Housing and 27 other businesses sponsoring the campaign are contributing up to $200,000 this year in matching funds and challenge grant prizes to be awarded to participating nonprofits.