SANDPOINT — To many who don’t utilize public transportation, a bus stop shelter at first glance doesn’t appear as anything but a bus shelter.  

But for the Community Resource EnVision Center, a shelter indicating a bus stop is significant to their mission of connecting the community to specialized programs, specifically for older adults, veterans, and those who rely heavily on public transportation.  

That’s why, when the EnVision Center was chosen by AARP Idaho for a $12,000 grant, the nonprofit was ecstatic to utilize those funds to create a safer and accessible transit shelter stop at 130 McGee Road in Sandpoint.  

"At first glance, it might look like we're simply building a bus shelter, but it's really about removing barriers,” CREC Executive Director Katie Begalke said. “This SPOT stop serves the EnVision Center, the Bonner County VA Clinic, the Department of Labor, and Calvary Chapel. Every day, people come here seeking employment, medical care, housing resources, and other support. Providing a safe, accessible place to wait for the bus means they can access those services with greater dignity, comfort, and independence." 

The nonprofit applied for the grant in early March, amid a sea of 5,500 other applicants across the country. To Begalke’s surprise, CREC’s application stood out from the masses and was one of 700 that were chosen to accept a grant. AARP officials said the grant selection process is a deliberate, two-step process that involves a group of volunteer reviewers. 

Projects, according to AARP officials, are chosen based on how well they improve livability, especially for people over 50, deliver visible, short-term results, address real community needs, and show strong local impact, innovation and feasibility.  

Begalke said the bus stop shelter will be worked on throughout the summer, with a goal of installing the shelter by the fall.  

"Our goal is to complete site preparation this summer, install the shelter and signage in the fall, and have everything completed well ahead of AARP's deadline. We're fortunate to have community partners and donated professional labor helping us make the most of every grant dollar," Begalke said. “We're incredibly grateful to AARP for recognizing the importance of investing in communities like Bonner County.” 

Officials from CREC and the Selkirks Pend Oreille Transit have begun collaborating to create a design for the shelter.  

Since 2010, CREC has aimed to connect community members in need to the resources and programs that help them overcome the obstacles they may be facing, with the overall mission to empower and build a stronger community.