HomeIdaho
Infamously known for its picturesque landscapes, mid-sized cities, and vast open prairies, Idaho also takes immense pride in providing a variety of supportive housing options to its residents. The state emphasizes the quintessential need for affordable and accessible housing, ensuring that all individuals, including those who require support and assistance, can find a suitable home. This article delves into different types of supportive housing opportunities available in Idaho, covering subsidies offered by state and federal authorities as well as non-private forms of assistance.
To provide basic housing amenities to everyone, Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) operates public housing programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These programs offer affordable rental housing options for families, elderly persons, and individuals with disabilities who are unable to afford a private property.
Administered by IHFA, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program allows the recipients to find their own rental housing and offers them flexibility to select a home that meets their needs. Under this program, a federal subsidy pays for a portion of the rent, based on the income of the family, directly to the landlord. The participant pays the remaining portion of the rent.
In partnership with different agencies, IHFA provides housing to the homeless and special needs populations through the Supportive Housing Program and the Shelter Plus Care Program. These programs, funded by HUD, aim to end chronic homelessness by providing housing paired with voluntary services. The services can range from mental health support, substance abuse treatment, to job training.
The Rural Development program, operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offers loans, grants, and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development. Though primarily not housing-focused, the program provides housing-related aid by building affordable rural rental housing under its Multi-Family Housing programs.
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program provides tax incentives to encourage developers to build affordable housing. The credits are given to developers who then sell them to investors, decreasing their federal tax liability. The funds raised are then invested into affordable housing property development.
Non-profit organizations also offer supportive housing services. Home Partnership, Inc., as an example, has built several affordable housing units subsidized by the LIHTC program. They operate rental properties which house low-income families, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities.
Preventing homelessness is a critical focus in Idaho. The state coordinates multiple programs to support people facing the threat of homelessness. One such program is the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), which provides financial assistance and services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless and help those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized.
In conclusion, Idaho offers a broad spectrum of supportive housing options to top up private housing. From state operated public housing programs, federal housing subsidies, to initiatives from non-profit organizations, the state goes the extra mile to ensure every Idaho citizen has a roof over their head.