34 Idaho Nonprofits Kick Off Avenues For Hope To Raise Funds For Homelessness Prevention

Idaho Housing and Finance Association, through its Home Partnership Foundation, launches Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge to help the homeless

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Idaho Housing and Finance Association

Dec 10, 2015, 01:32 ET

BOISE, Idaho, Dec. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Idaho Housing and Finance Association, through its Home Partnership Foundation, launches its signature Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge for Idaho homelessness prevention today to help over 34 housing nonprofits. Donations to the nonprofits participating in the campaign help them continue their daily work.

The fundraiser has raised over $650,000 since its inception five years ago. The Home Partnership Foundation believes that with increased support from Idahoans, it is possible to raise $325,000 during the campaign this year due to increased visibility of homelessness in Idaho right now.

"The campaign is critical in addressing the needs of Idaho's homeless who are looking for an opportunity to become self-sufficient," said Gerald M. Hunter, President of Idaho Housing.

Amy Smith, a homeless Boise mom with a two-year old daughter and a baby on the way, says she could use a hand up at this time in her life. "If I could make one big change, it would be to get on our feet and try to get some kind of housing," Smith says.

Both the chronic and temporarily homeless are helped by Avenues for Hope, including domestic violence victims, veterans, people with disabilities, vulnerable youth, and low income Idaho residents.

"This 22-day campaign gives these nonprofits a platform to tell their story to their communities, so it's not all about money," Hunter says. "We find that the community gets more involved as they become more aware of the services the nonprofits provide in their community."

Funds can be designated to the organization of the donor's choice. If donors don't have a preference, they can contribute to the Enhance the Match Fund, which helps to stretch donor dollars further.

The Home Partnership Foundation along with Idaho Housing and 14 other businesses sponsoring the campaign are contributing up to $200,000 this year in matching funds and challenge grant prizes.

Idaho Housing is encouraging business and individuals to support the cause and donate $25 or more. Avenues for Hope ends December 31 at midnight, and final results will be announced on Monday, January 4th.

Donate: http://www.avenuesforhope.org

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcJV5amI1js

Hashtag: #IdahoHomeless

SOURCE Idaho Housing and Finance Association