SANDPOINT — In 2022, 20 Idaho programs served 615 domestic violence survivors in a single day, 53% of whom received housing support. During that same period, 232 requests for help were unfulfilled; 36% were for housing and shelter.  

This is the reality that Bonner Homeless Transitions, a local nonprofit, faces as it aims to end the threat of homelessness in Bonner County. According to its October report, the nonprofit saw a 158% occupancy rate, prompting the need for added temporary beds and cribs to keep families together.  

“Our programs are almost always full,” said BHT Executive Director Rebekah Little. “At most, we may have a room open. But it rarely lasts long.”  

An organization that does not receive state or federal funding, BHT relies on two annual fundraisers, one of which is slated to occur in just a few days: Avenues for Hope.  

BHT has participated in the Avenues for Hope Challenge — a statewide campaign that assists Idaho nonprofits in providing safe housing and stability for people in need — for several years because of its alignment with its mission and values. Little said the campaign helps raise awareness and visibility for BHT, helping the community better understand the depth of need in Bonner County.  

“The fundraiser is vital to our survival. With no state or federal funding, these dollars determine how many families we can take in, how many services we can offer and how stable our housing program can remain in the coming years,” said Little. “Avenues of Hope is not just another fundraiser; it is our ability to serve families in crisis.” 

This year, the nonprofit’s goal is to raise $75,000 through the three-week challenge, which will match local donations with statewide funds, multiplying the impact for families rebuilding their lives after homelessness, domestic violence, and other crises. 

According to BHT, $75,000 is enough to help 15 families move from crisis to stability and shorten the waiting list for housing.  

Last year, the Avenues for Hope challenge raised $5.2 million for approximately 100 Idaho nonprofits, including BHT. Now in its 15th year, the statewide fundraiser aims to raise even more to assist the 103 nonprofits that are taking part in the challenge this year.  

“This fundraiser allows us to continue providing safe housing, stability, and hope for the families we serve. Bonner Homeless Transitions is full nearly year-round, and the calls for help just keep coming. Avenues for Hope makes it possible for us to say ‘yes’ to more women, mothers and children who have nowhere else to turn. The generosity of this community is what transforms lives, and we could not do this work without them,” Little said.  

Currently, BHT supplies over 18,000 bed nights per year to families and individuals in need, 65% of which are utilized by children. According to the nonprofit’s website, one in three people experiencing homelessness is fleeing from a situation of domestic violence.

Through the nonprofit’s resources, individuals leaving domestic violence situations or other crises are able to find support in secure housing, affordable healthcare and educational opportunities.  

“Oh my gosh, what can I say. [Bonner Homeless Transitions] has been God sent for me and my four children. I can’t imagine where I would be today if I was not part of the Blue Haven Family for 16 months,” shared Jackie on the BHT website.  

More information on how to donate for the Avenues for Hope challenge can be found at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/bonnerhomelesstransitions.  

Money from the fundraiser will be used for transportation, food, clothing, personalized case management, counseling and life skill classes and more.