Supportive housing is a service intervention that combines affordable housing assistance with voluntarily accessed supportive services, designed to provide stability and prevent homelessness. Boise, the capital city of Idaho, has a range of supportive housing options available based on need. These include programs for the homeless, veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income families.
Boise has several programs aimed at offering supportive housing to those facing homelessness. Boise City/Ada County Housing Authorities offer supportive housing programs such as the Housing First initiative and the Shelter Plus Care program. These programs not only provide permanent housing assistance to participants but also supportive services to help them attain stability and independence.
The Housing First initiative, guided by federal subsidies from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is designed to move chronically homeless individuals from the streets and emergency shelters to their own homes. This program prioritizes getting homeless people into housing and then providing necessary supportive services, rather than making housing dependent on treatment compliance or sobriety.
The Shelter Plus Care program makes use of federal subsidies to offer rental assistance and supportive services for hard-to-serve homeless individuals with disabilities and their families.
The Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program combines HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services to help veterans who are homeless and their families find and sustain permanent housing. The program is designed specifically for veterans, acknowledging the unique challenges they face.
Boise City/Ada County Housing Authorities administer the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to assist low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities to afford home energy. Additionally, the Public Housing program offers affordable rental housing to the said demographics.
Furthermore, the city is served by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), a self-sustaining organization that provides affordable housing solutions statewide. The IHFA works in tandem with federal, state, and local agencies to bridge the gap between housing needs and housing availability.
Apart from state or federal subsidies, there are also numerous non-profit organizations in Boise that offer supportive housing options. These organizations provide rental assistance, subsidized housing, and a myriad of supportive services.
One notable organization is CATCH (Charitable Assistance to Community’s Homeless), which runs the "Our Path Home" program. This program uses a collective impact framework, where a range of partners unite to provide individuals and families experiencing homelessness with stable housing options. It's an intake system where everyone who is at risk of homelessness can be evaluated, matched with appropriate resources, and connected with housing.
While Boise continues to grapple with the issue of homelessness and affordable housing, several programs at the local, state, and federal levels, along with various non-profit initiatives, are focused on addressing this problem. Through supportive housing programs, Boise is making a significant effort to ensure its most vulnerable citizens are housed. Efforts such as these not only help the direct recipients but also contribute to the overall health and stability of the community.
