SANDPOINT – The generosity of the Sandpoint community is felt year round thanks to local organizations with a passion for those in need.

The Bonner Homeless Transitions is collecting all forms of donations and welcoming helping hands this season.

Partnered with the Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge, the task force is receiving donations through the end of 2021, proceeds will benefit Blue Haven.

The fundraiser, sponsored by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, is asking for the community's help in raising $100,000. They are nearly half way to their goal, with $42,075 raised as of Wednesday from just 65 donors.

Blue Haven is a small residential complex in Sandpoint that assists women and children toward becoming self-sufficient. Families are provided long-term shelter, transportation, and life skills education, among other things.

“Most of the women that we help go on to become successful community members,” said Mary Jo Ambrosiani, president of the organization. “We look to help those who need a hand-up and not a hand-out.”

The task force was founded in 1991, Ambrosiani has served as the organization’s president since 2006.

According to Avenues for Hope, the task force has an 85% success rate in transitioning residents into sustainable, independent living situations.

Avenues for Hope is a non-profit organization working with 91 smaller nonprofits across Idaho.

Those interested in volunteering, donating, or helping Bonner Homeless Transitions can do so by visiting their website, BonnerHomelessTransitions.org.