A Bonner County group is among those receiving a grant from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund for Idaho.

The fund approved nearly $300,000 for organizations throughout Idaho that are helping low-income individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability, food insecurity and/or domestic violence, along with those in need of physical or mental healthcare, and childcare.

A $10,000 is being given to Priest River Ministries-Advocates For Women for emergency and transitional housing. The faith-based community agency serves women and children ravaged by violence and trafficking.

In north Idaho, the first round of high-need grants will go to the following organizations. Grants will be made every week in April. Needs are changing quickly, so organizations have flexibility to use the funds to meet their greatest needs.

Also receiving grants are:

• First Step 4 Life Recovery Center (Nez Perce County) – $10,000 to pay salaries, purchase hygiene and food, and pay additional utility costs associated with 24-hour operation.

• Friendly Neighbors Senior Citizens, Inc. (Latah County) – $500 for meal supplies and employee’s pay. • Safe Passage (Kootenai County) – $10,000 for safe shelter, housing assistance, transportation, gift cards for groceries, assistance with utilities, childcare, other basic needs and technology.

• Salvation Army Kroc Center (Kootenai County) – $15,000 to feed ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families in Shoshone, Benewah and Kootenai counties, families or individuals who are currently homeless, and emergency responders.

• Snake River Community Clinic (Nez Perce County) – $5,000 to purchase PPE for providers, a laptop and software so the day clinic provider can “see” patients via SKYPE, and inhalers to meet increased need.

• Willow Center (Nez Perce County) – $1,000 to purchase video-conferencing software, cover costs of providing digital resources and mailings, and cover salary and overhead costs.

In addition, two organizations will receive grants for their statewide efforts. Jannus, Inc., will receive funding for the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline and Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children will receive funding to create a Temporary Assistance Grant Program for childcare providers that don’t receive financial assistance from the state and are at risk of closing due to financial constraints.

Grant applications were reviewed by a rapid response team and approved by a steering committee. Both are comprised of local community members, nonprofit leaders and others. Final approval comes from the ICF Board Executive Committee.

The COVID-19 Fund for Idaho received significant support from foundations, companies and individuals throughout Idaho. Lead Funding Partners are: M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, the Micron Foundation and Micron’s Boise team members, Wells Fargo Foundation and Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health.

To donate, go online to idahocf.org/covid-19. All donations received will go to organizations helping those in need.