Cornerstones November 2014

November 2014

Cornerstones Help for North Idaho Homeowners REALTORS® and lenders honored for connecting IHFA to homebuyers.......9 Making a Difference, One Student at a Time A Nampa woman connects homeless students to resources in her community........6 Programs Provide Resources for Vets Meet an Idaho veteran who found safe, stable housing thanks to the VASH program..............7 Programs and Services Updates .............................. 8 IHFA’s Community Involvement.........................10 Calendar of Events.................11

Caring for Idaho’s Homeless: Helping Those Without a Home Caring for Idaho’s homeless is an intricate puzzle. The needs of the homeless—and those at risk of becoming homeless—are as complex and diverse as the organizations that care for them.

In Idaho, it takes a consolidated effort among a range of shelter and service providers—from homeless prevention and emergency shelters to transitional and permanent supportive housing.

These organizations provide educational and other support designed to help lift people out of homelessness and into selfsufficiency. The services run the gamut from basic food, clothing, and shelter to social services such as health care, job training, life skills, and mental health counseling.

Most organizations that serve Idaho’s vulnerable populations participate in one of the state’s two Continuum of Care networks (Boise and the Balance of State), which help coordinate homeless services and funding, as well as assess the needs of the state’s homeless.

“It’s the old adage, ‘Multiple hands make light work,’” said Jeff Conroy, the executive director of St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho.

“None of us have an infinite amount of money. If everyone can take a piece of helping someone or helping a family, it just leaves us more money to help more people.” …continued on page 2

Market Trends: Online Fundraising Everybody seems to have a favorite charity to give to.

Whether that charity is helping to prevent homelessness; assisting those with a health crisis; helping animals, the environment, an educational organization, or something else; more donations are occurring online.

Nonprofits throughout the nation have developed, or are developing, online tools to make it easier to get their share of these generous donations.

According to Blackbaud, Inc., a software and services supplier for nonprofit organizations, online giving grew 12.7 percent from August 2013 to August 2014, while overall giving only increased by 4 percent for that same time frame. Nonprofit organizations throughout Idaho are having a great deal of success with online giving. Janice Fulkerson, executive director for the Idaho Nonprofit Center said there are …continued on page 5 many reasons for this.

The Blackbaud Index

Overall Giving + 4.0% Online Giving + 12.7% August 2014

Overall Giving Online Giving

18% 15% 13% 10% 8% 5% 3%

Aug Sep Oct 2013

Nov Dec

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul 2014

Aug

Data represented is based on a 3-month rolling average of YOY performance.

Idaho Housing and Finance Association is expanding housing and funding opportunities statewide.

Source: Blackbaud.com

www.idahohousing.com

Focus: Homeless in Idaho

Helping Those Without a Home …continued from cover These networks are designed to ensure that the homeless and those at risk of homelessness have the support and funding to keep moving through the steps to self-sufficiency and provide permanenet support for those who may not be able to self sufficient.

SHELTERS: Safe, warm, and fed first Emergency shelters exist to meet the immediate short-term needs of the homeless. Idaho has about 47 emergency shelters, mostly in larger cities, providing shelter, food, and access to resources.

More importantly, they help get families on the path to permanent or transitional housing.

Conroy’s organization, the largest provider in northern Idaho, operates two emergency shelters—one for men and another for women and children. In the past year, the shelters provided more than 800 bed nights.

“The philosophy of St. Vincent de Paul is to help end poverty wherever we can.

If it’s housing, if it’s utility assistance, if we’re able to do it, we’ll do it,” he said.

“We believe that people need to be safe, warm, and fed first,” said Conroy, whose organization also operates thrift stores, a day shelter, transitional and affordable housing, and a one-stop HELP center that provides crucial services to the homeless.

In all, St. Vincent de Paul serves more than 2,000 people each year, Conroy said.

Transitional housing, where people can live for up to two years while they receive supportive services, is the next step in the path to permanent housing.

The focus of the approximately 33 transitional housing programs in Idaho is to help people develop the skills they need to move from homelessness and stay housed.

• Emergency support S R E T L E SS SH E L E HOM

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING: Connecting people where they need to be

• L i fe - s u s t a in i n g se

r vices • Ca pi t a l i

mprove

ments

PERMAN ENT H OUSIN G

The State of Homelessness in Idaho The economic woes of the past few years have taken their toll on Idaho families.

Few know that better than the organizations that serve the state’s homeless, which see the demand for their services increase at a time when resources dwindle.

On a single night in January 2014, there were 2,104 homeless people in Idaho, an 18 percent increase from the year before, according to the annual Point in Time count. Despite the recent uptick, homelessness has remained relatively stable in the state, and has actually decreased 10 percent since spiking in 2010.

But the positive numbers don’t tell the whole story, say those on the front lines.

There are still challenges.

Jeff Conroy, the executive director of St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho, said he sees

2 November

minor fluctuations in the number of people his organization helps each year. What is increasing, Conroy said, is the number of people in jeopardy of becoming homeless.

“We have a lot of working poor, people living paycheck to paycheck making eight bucks an hour,” Conroy said.

Leann Trappen, the community services director for the South Central Community Action Partnership, said the same is true in Southern Idaho.

“Wages are so much below even our surrounding states,” Trappen said. “There are a lot more people working now than there were three years ago, but they are working for less.”

The result is an increase in what the Department of Housing and Urban Development

terms “precariously housed,” meaning they are at risk of becoming homeless. In fact, in some areas of Idaho there are more precariously housed or living with friends and family than actual homeless.

The homeless, or those at risk of becoming homeless, often are strained in other ways, whether it’s financially or because of illness.

In a time of limited funding, meeting those needs becomes even more difficult.

“We need mental health services like no other.

There are people on the streets who should not be on the streets. They need more help,” Conroy said.

And it starts with increased awareness of the issues, Trappen said.

“Some people still don’t think we have homeless,” she said. n

LONG-TERM HOUSING: More than just shelter

The South Central Community Action Partnership (SCCAP) in Twin Falls has operated one of the most expansive transitional housing programs in southern Idaho since the late 1990s.

Safe and affordable housing means more than simply shelter. A stable home can benefit mental and physical health, as well as educational achievement. Similar to transitional homes, long-term housing often combines housing subsidies with support services for the elderly, veterans, or people with illness or disabilities.

“We really focus on housing stability.

Without that, all things fall apart,” said Leanne Trappen, SCCAP’s community services director.

For SCCAP, that means programs that help with budgeting and saving; gaining access to healthcare, Social Security, and veterans benefits; and connecting clients with mental health or substance abuse counseling. “Part of our mission is to try to eliminate gaps in services so that we are connecting people to where they need to be,” said Trappen, whose programs touch almost 30,000 people each year.

Vouchers help low-income renters find affordable housing by reimbursing landlords for a portion of the rent.

Other long-term supportive housing takes the form of tenant- and projectbased rental assistance in homes or apartments that are based on income.

“When you’re disabled or elderly, for example, and living on a limited income, the only way you’re going to be stable is through a subsidized housing program,” Trappen said. n

• A s se

t b ui ld

ing • Long-t erm ren ta l a s s is

tance • Down pay me

ING S U O LH nt TRANSITIONy hAousing • Case managemetion • Affordable, temporar

uca • Financial ed nt assistance • Foreclosure & homelessness prevention • Homeownership

Need help?

If you or someone you know is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, there are plenty of ways to connect with resources throughout the state.

• Housingidaho.com (www.housingidaho.com): Click on “Shelter Options” link under the “Renter/Tenants” heading. Click on your area of the state to find contact information for homeless service providers.

• Housing Hotline (1-877-438-4472): Staff are available from 8:30am to 5:30pm MST, M-F, to answer any housing question and refer you to the most appropriate resources.

• Idaho Care Line (dial 211 or 1-800-926-2588): This free referral service connects people in need with a variety of public and private resources, including housing, health care, social services, and child care.

• Idaho Housing (www.idahohousing.com): Click on the blue “Homelessness in Idaho Services / Reports” button on the right side of the page. You’ll find links, telephone numbers, and other information about the services available.

Cornerstones 3

Focus: Homeless in Idaho

A Foundation that Gives Hope Responding to the needs of Idaho’s homeless is a daunting task even in the best of times. When donations and traditional funding sources don’t keep pace with increasing demand for housing services the problem becomes even more acute.

The Home Partnership Foundation, a 501(c)(3) created by Idaho Housing and Finance Association in 2008, helps bolster the efforts of nonprofits that serve Idaho’s homeless. Since then, the Foundation has invested more than $3.5 million to enhance safe and stable housing in Idaho. Every year, the Foundation spearheads a grassroots, online fundraising campaign to help organizations that provide critical resources for Idaho’s homeless and encourage donations from individuals to support their programs and operations.

Since 2011, the Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge has had an $380,000 impact on organizations that provide essential housing services to Idaho families. Last year alone the campaign raised a record $233,469 that helped 31 organizations. That money has been put to work in communities to help veterans, families, students, runaways, and survivors of domestic violence.

The Foundation’s partners support a variety of housing needs from homeless prevention to emergency shelters and temporary homes.

What is the Point of the Point The Point in Time (PIT) count helps

habitation) and sheltered (people living in emergency shelters or transitional housing) homeless. Because of that, it’s a valuable tool that helps communities plan homeless services and identify gaps in coverage. But it does have its limitations.

give service providers a clear picture of the demographics and causes of homelessness in Idaho.

This annual one-night snapshot, taken at the end of January, also helps determine funding Idaho receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for homeless programs.

Counting the unsheltered homeless is difficult because the variables — from the weather to the number of volunteers who choose to help — can lead to undercounting. More importantly, unlike other homeless data, the PIT count

It is the only unduplicated count of unsheltered (people living on the street, in cars, or other places not meant for

Number of Homeless in Idaho Total Point in Time (PIT) Count 2,500

2,346

2,250

2,199 1,968

2,000

1,500 1,250 1,000 750 500 0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Please Donate in December

Campaign starts in December

4 November

1,781

1,750

Go to www.avenuesforhope.org from December 10th–31st to learn about and support the participating nonprofits in each region of the state. Organizations that receive individual donations of $25 or more are eligible for Foundation grants.

Please help spread the word about this important fundraiser and the participating nonprofits by sharing the link on Facebook, Twitter, or your website or blog. Keep up to date on the campaign and the Foundation by following us on Twitter (@ avenuesforhope and @IdahoHousing) or by liking us on Facebook (facebook. com/HomePartnershipFoundation or facebook.com/IdahoHousing). n

2,104

The Avenues for Hope Challenge begins December 10th and ends December 31st. It’s an easy way to donate and make a difference in the many valuable programs supported by the Home Partnership Foundation. Log on today and consider how you can make a difference!

HELP HOMELESS CHILDREN BEAT THESE ODDS

www.avenuesforhope.org

Focus: Homeless in Idaho

in Time Count? totals don’t include people who are precariously housed, meaning they are temporarily “couch surfing” with friends or relatives, staying in a motel or living in institutional settings like jails or hospitals.

In some parts of the state, especially rural areas, there are more people in danger of being homeless than are actually homeless.

“As the administrator of Idaho’s Homeless Management Information System, Idaho Housing works hard with our partners to ensure an accurate Point in Time

count. It helps identify the homeless services needed throughout the state and ultimately determines the amount of funding the state receives to address those needs,” said IHFA Executive Vice President Julie Williams.

Despite the limitations, the PIT count is an accurate gauge of the minimum number of people in Idaho who are homeless every year. n

2014 Top Six Situations Causing Homelessness

41% 33%

30%

20%

20%

17%

17%

…continued from cover “When the economy started to rebound, we noticed donations were not coming back as strong, and our board of directors wanted to do something to bring some more focus on philanthropy as part of the recovery,” Fulkerson said.

The Idaho Nonprofit Center began hosting Idaho Gives Day, a one-day event that shines a light on nonprofits throughout the state and brings together online donors eager to help nonprofits of their choice earn a portion of grant funds from event sponsors.

The event has been very successful in its first two years, raising more than $1.3 billion. Donations are made completely online. “The board wanted to do something that nonprofits from across the state could gain visibility with and reach the younger generation of donors,” Fulkerson said. “Additionally, the overhead of a campaign done completely online does not have the overhead of a traditional mail campaign.”

50% 40%

Market Trends: Online Fundraising

17%

10%

It is not just the younger generation making donations online, according Substance Housing abuse uninhabitable (drug or alcohol)

Physical disabilities

Note: People were asked to identify situations that caused their homelessness. Multiple responses were valid for each respondent.

HOMELESS TOTALS BY REGIONS

522 221 753 268

178 81

United Way Treasure Valley

Point-in-Time count totals by region are shown here, with Ada County leading with 753, or 36% of the total.

Northern Idaho follows, with 522, or 25% of the total.

HOMELESS TOTALS BY REGIONS According to the Point in Time count, the number of Idaho homeless who said they were: Veterans:

215

Victims of domestic violence:

306

Suffering from mental illness:

299

Suffering from substance abuse:

422

Had a serious physical illness or disability: 96

87

“The increase in online donations is going up because more organizations are offering it as an option...”

— Nora Carpenter, CEO,

Minors:

Note: Not all questions had responses and multiple responses were valid. Blank values were not reported.

People were asked to identify situations that caused their homelessness.

518

to Nora Carpenter, the chief executive officer for United Way of Treasure Valley. “We have found that the older generation is not afraid to use online giving and typically makes larger donations, while the millennial’s use other electronic donation methods such as texts and mobile apps in conjunction with online,” Carpenter said. “The increase in online donations is going up because more organizations are offering it as an option, but that says something about its popularity.”

Carpenter also explained that promoting online giving is very cost effective. “There is no question that it is a trend everywhere except for corporate donations,” Carpenter said. n

Cornerstones 5

Evicted/unable to pay rent

Unemployment Unable to find affordable housing

IHFA News: Industry Innovator

Making a Difference, One Student at a Time Peggy Miller’s mix of energy, enthusiasm, and effort is something our community can use more of, especially our homeless community. She has helped thousands of homeless students and families since she started at the Nampa School District 14 years ago.

of this event. “She is great at getting the families motivated and organized for events such as these that have particular timelines,” Peggy said.

Peggy also works with homelessness prevention providers such as the Boise Rescue Mission and Family Advocates

“It’s a large community of providers and volunteers who I continuously interact with to provide students in need in my district with as many opportunities as possible.”

– Peggy Miller, Homeless Liaison, Nampa School District

In addition to her regular duties as the homeless liaison, Peggy has been instrumental in countless other programs to assist these individuals. Peggy discovered one program in particular at a National Conference to End Homelessness five years ago and took the lead in bringing it to Nampa. “When I met with the Feed the Children International vendor, I couldn’t believe how readily available their help was,” Peggy said. “They provide backpacks, books, and snacks to homeless students all over the world.” Peggy has taken the initiative to apply for this assistance every year since and then invites the entire district to help stuff the backpacks and divides them up among the schools. “Until this year, we have been fortunate enough to get enough for each student in need,” Peggy said.

Peggy is very resourceful and joins forces with other organizations that have similar goals. One program is the Lotshaw Helping Hands. Every fall a group of nearly 100 low-income and homeless children get paired up with volunteers who help them shop for school clothing at JCPenny. “It is a great program where the volunteers not only help the children shop, but provide them with gift bags full of surprises as well as a brunch,” Peggy said. According to Peggy, Mirella Garcia, the homeless education assistant coordinator is also essential to the success

6 November

for Hopes Door, to help ease the burden on these individuals and their families.

Every November, Boise Rescue Mission employees come to the Nampa School District’s transition house and interview 250 families to help them qualify for both Turkey Bucks and Toys for Tots. “Our transition home is set up as a parent education center, which allows these families to qualify for both programs,” Peggy said. Additionally, a member of Family Advocates for Hopes Door comes once a week and works with the families in need.

The Treasure Valley Community Resource Center’s SHARE the Day is another event Peggy makes sure her students and their families are aware of. She helps coordinate as a member of the planning committee.

During this day in November, a full Thanksgiving dinner is provided as well

as all sorts of resources such as health screenings and dental services.

Peggy is so visible in her community that she has organizations approach her to see how they can assist. The pastor of Lakeview Nazarene Church discovered the need for more clothing and helped Peggy organize a clothing shed that is open two days a week. “We gave more than 10,000 items away last year,” Peggy said. “Pastor Gretchen did a great job of organizing this so there is a constant supply of clothes and everyone learns the power of giving back.” Individuals in need must bring a sack of clothing with them to exchange for the ones they pick up.

The Nampa Fire Department is also helping Peggy with her efforts and just recently started an annual coat drive.

Once a year they choose the schools they would like to donate the coats to and provide not only the coats to the students, but also a memorable day in which the kids get to come meet the firemen and sit on the firetruck.

These are just a few examples of Peggy’s work for the homeless students in her community. “It’s a large community of providers and volunteers who I continuously interact with to provide students in need in my district with as many opportunities as possible,” Peggy said. “I’d never be able to accomplish what I do without this community and without the help of people like Mirella.”

All her hard work has earned Peggy several awards. Most notably was her recognition as the most outstanding homeless liaison in the state and the nation in 2011. Peggy earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in psychology from Brigham Young University. n R to L: Peggy, Mirella, and members of the Nampa Fire Department brighten the day of elementary students in need of a new coat for the winter.

IHFA News: Personal Story

Programs Honoring our Veterans Doc, a veteran, served not just one but three tours of duty in the Vietnam War. During his time in Vietnam he developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has gone down some unfortunate paths in life.

With some well-deserved assistance and his own determination, Doc is now turning his life around.

He earned his nickname while in Vietnam.

“During one of my tours the medic was wounded among many others so I grabbed his bag and started assisting those injured and earned my nickname,” Doc said. “After returning to the States, I legally changed my name and am only known as Doc now.”

After four years in the Army, Doc returned to his hometown of Sacramento, California and went to college for three years before leaving for work as a security guard at a major department store. He eventually followed his girlfriend to Idaho and has lived in the state since 1997, mostly in Twin Falls.

He held various jobs, but continued to struggle with PTSD and issues with alcohol that eventually found him incarcerated for grand theft. After doing his time, Doc began staying in a motel, which he couldn’t afford. Fortunately, within days at the motel he ran into another vet who suggested he go to the Twin Falls Veterans Affairs office. It was there that he began meeting with Jodi Warthen, his case manager.

Jodi determined that Doc qualified for the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program. The VASH program was established by a unique collaboration between Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Department of Veterans

Affairs. The program combines HUD rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services through VA medical centers. In South Central Idaho, IHFA’s Twin Falls branch office administers the VASH vouchers that allow participants to rent an apartment at affordable rates.

Unfortunately, qualifying for the VASH program is not the only requirement for obtaining housing. Doc was still faced with the obstacle of obtaining a security deposit, which is required by most landlords. IHFA’s housing specialist was able to refer him to the Home Partnership

other health issues he has faced since Vietnam. He is now seeing a therapist for his PTSD. With this help and a place to call home, Doc’s life is looking up. And, Doc is paying it forward. “Time and time again, Doc surprises me with the things he is accomplishing for himself and others,” says Karen Embleton, a caseworker with South Central Community Action Partnership. “In fact, Doc has agreed to attend events at the Salvation Army with us to enlighten other vets of the programs that are out there to help them.”

According to Doc, some people just need to be steered in the right direction. “If I

“ If I hadn’t allowed someone to point me in the right direction, I’d probably be sleeping in a park, under a bridge, or back in jail.”

— Doc, Vietnam War Veteran Foundation’s Honor program. As funding allows, the Foundation, which was created

by IHFA, offers this program for those who meet VASH requirements but would be unable to use the voucher because of lack of funds for the security deposit.

The program is set up as a revolving fund to assist as many vets as possible. “When a vet moves out, we request the landlords to return the deposit so we can recycle it for another vet in need,” says Deanna Ward, director of development for the Foundation.

These individuals, as well as others in Doc’s life, have helped him understand better ways to deal with his PTSD and

hadn’t allowed someone to point me in the right direction, I’d probably be sleeping in a park, under a bridge, or back in jail,” says Doc. “I’m proud to support my friends who depend on me.”

To be eligible for the VASH program, a participant must be a homeless veteran in need of case management. Staff members at the Twin Falls Veterans Affairs determine who is eligible and refers them to IHFA if they are in need of rental assistance. These organizations work closely to make sure all VASH vouchers are being fully utilized. n

Housing Help for Veterans IHFA and the Home Partnership Foundation teamed up to help veterans get into housing. As the administrator of the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Voucher program, IHFA combines rental assistances funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with case management and clinical services through the VA medical

centers, which refer participants to the program in its Coeur d’Alene and Twin Falls offices. Although the VASH program helps provide a voucher for housing, veterans still face barriers. Because of this, IHFA works with the Home Partnership Foundation, which created the Honor program to meet the needs of VASH voucher participants, to provide funds

that helps enable veterans to pay their rental or utility deposits.

The program acts like a revolving loan fund, since the Foundation pays the deposit directly to the landlord. To qualify for the program, please contact the VA medical centers in Coeur d’Alene and Twin Falls to be referred to IHFA to apply for assistance in those areas. n

Cornerstones 7

IHFA News: Programs and Services

Programs and Services Updates Idaho Recognized for Rural Partnership, Community Review During its August 12, 2014, meeting in Bear Lake, the Partners for Rural America conferred its highest national honor on Mike Field, executive director of Idaho Rural Partnership (IRP). Mike leads IRP and its flagship program, the Idaho Community Review, which has brought federal, state and regional resources to 33 rural Idaho communities.

The Ron Shaffer Award for Excellence in Collaborative Leadership acknowledges the values, skills and impacts necessary to build national and state rural development partnerships. When presenting the award, Wyoming Rural Development Council board member Tim Pexton noted that “six nominating letters were received from colleagues recognizing Mike’s leadership and commitment to rural America.”

“Mike Field is great at bringing partners together—it’s like a modern-day barn raising.”

– Erik Kingston, IRP Board Member and 28-year Community Review participant

For several decades Field has focused on rural Idaho, first as a congressional staffer, followed by stints as Idaho Field Office Director for USDA Rural Development. He has served on the IRP board and at the national level with State Rural Development Councils. These nonpartisan alliances promote collaboration and partnerships with state and federal government, for-profit companies and the nonprofit sector.

Among those nominating Field was IHFA’s own Erik Kingston.

“The fact that we’re still serving rural Idaho is a tribute to Mike’s energy,” Kingston stressed, “both IRP and the Community Review rely on private donations, volunteers, and a USDA Rural Development grant. Mike brings partners together in what feels like a modern-day barn raising.” He adds that rural communities need allies to help them do more with less.

IRP member organizations contribute an in-kind value of $50,000 to each review, including providing travel, lodging and staff costs for visiting teams. Communities use this ‘soft match’ when applying for grants and have leveraged reviews into millions in transportation and downtown revitalization awards. “We hope residents and leadership recognize the value of building regional networks and strategies,” says Kingston. “When small towns work together, they become bigger players.”

The Idaho model has attracted attention from community and economic development experts. U of I graduate student Josh Hightree recently conducted a ‘meta analysis’ of survey results from 26 reviews as part of his work towards master’s degrees in Bioregional Planning and Engineering Management. His research was underwritten by the Center for Resilient Rural Communities, which also allowed him to take part in the Aberdeen review in March of 2014.

Surveys are customized and mailed to residential utility customers prior to each review. From hundreds of questions asked over time, Hightree created 67 ‘meta questions,’ or questions reflecting related topics. Only questions representing six or more communities were included, and each meta question had an average of 3,500 responses.

From 2000 to mid-2012, overall satisfaction decreased measurably over time in three areas: availability of homes to purchase, condition of owner-occupied housing stock, and K–12 education.

Hightree found rural Idahoans were least satisfied in three areas:

• Recreational opportunities (for teens and adults) • Jobs (variety and quality) • Vocational or post-secondary training opportunities

On the other hand, rural Idahoans are most satisfied with what they perceive as strengths in the areas of health care (except for mental health services) and ‘social capital’ such as:

• Friendliness/neighborliness of residents • Fire protection and emergency medical services • Involvement of churches in community • Libraries

Although survey respondents are self-selecting, response rates were significant and findings tracked closely with information from community listening sessions. These sessions are modeled after Wyoming’s community assessment process, where trained facilitators meet with stakeholder groups who share distinct perspectives. Each interest group might include small business owners, elders, high school students, or working artists. The team also interviews first responders, case managers and other service providers who interact with people in crisis. Their collective responses provide a cross section of opinions among rural residents.

Facilitators ask each group to answer four questions: what don’t you want to see in your community; what do you want to see; what challenges keep you from creating your desired future; and what are your assets (people, organizations, natural or built environment, etc.).

L to R: Tim Pexton, Wyoming Rural Development Council Board Chair; Mary Randolph, Wyoming Rural Development Council Executive Director; Mike Field, IRP Executive Director; Jon Barrett, Idaho Community Review Coordinator; Trent Clark, IRP Board; Joe Herring, IRP Board Co-Chair; Erik Kingston, IRP Board Member/Idaho Community Review Ad-Hoc Advisory Team.

8 November

North Idaho REALTOR® & Lending Partners Honored (continued from left) Kingston observes, “Rural residents love their volunteer first responders, local library, schools and teachers. They appreciate the small-town feel and low crime rates in rural Idaho and agree on assets, including people, landscape values, and clean air and water.” At the same time, rural Idahoans see common challenges in apathy, shrinking populations and tax bases, and what they describe as ‘status quo’ behavior involving poor communication and divisions involving politics, religion and race.

For several years the team has hosted listening sessions in Spanish to capture the interests and concerns of Hispanic residents. The team met in the evening to accommodate work schedules and learned to bring crayons and paper since families often brought children. For the most part, Hispanic residents—many second- or third-generation families—had the same desires, concerns and issues as their nonHispanic neighbors.

Families and individuals across Idaho are achieving their dream of homeownership with the help of Idaho Housing and Finance Association and its many REALTOR® and lending partners. This important partnership recently came to the forefront as 20 Coeur d’Alene-area REALTOR® and lending partners were honored for their work in helping north Idaho residents become homeowners.

“During the past year, north Idaho REALTOR® and lending partners helped 500 new homebuyers purchase homes, representing a $60 million investment in the region. Over the past 40 years, Idaho Housing has helped more than 12,000 families in the Coeur d’Alene-area alone reach their goal of owning their own home. “We are proud that we have been able to invest more than $1 billion in the area” said Gerald M. Hunter, Idaho Housing’s president.

purchased homes using Idaho Housing’s Home Loan program.

Leading the lender honorees were: Veronica Garnsey (Gold Award) of HomeStreet Mortgage, Sandra Wach (Silver Award) of YES Mortgage, and TyAnn Severtson (Bronze Award), of Mountain West Bank. The three honorees represented the most Idaho Housing borrowers.

Honorable mentions were: Sharon Greer, Mountain West Bank; Teresa Metz, Republic Mortgage; James Costello, Platinum Home Mortgage; Brandon Quigley, Umpqua Bank; Ann Hunter, Mountain West Bank; DanStubbs, Idaho Independent Bank; and Deborah Kishbaugh, Mountain West Bank.

These lending partners have done a tremendous job in working closely with borrowers throughout the entire loan

From Field’s perspective, IRP’s future looks good. “Rural communities recognize they need to work in concert with local and regional neighbors to build vibrant economic and community opportunities for one another. The success of our Community Review program hinges on the fact that we work in concert with all our partners to assist rural communities. We teach collaboration through example.”

While every community is unique, Kingston says the review process reveals common themes that hint at simple strategies. “After seeing similar patterns over time, we have a few recommendations for rural Idaho: focus on your shared assets, interests and values; learn to anticipate and adapt to change; and decide what each of you is willing to contribute or sacrifice to make your community better.”

“This is a great group of professionals,” adds Field. “We appreciate their employers’ contribution, but also know they are each willing to take time away from their families to help complete strangers. It’s an unlikely mix of urban and rural folks with diverse politics and beliefs who share one goal: to make Idaho stronger one community at a time.”

For more information on IRP, visit www.irp.idaho.gov; for a national perspective on rural development, visit www.PartnersForRuralAmerica.org.

In November, Idaho Housing gathered with its top lender and REALTOR® partners in north Idaho.

Leading the REALTOR® honorees were: Scott Lewis (Gold Award) of Keller Williams Realty, Joe Cosgrove (Silver Award) of Hope Realty, and Tina Hood (Bronze Award) of Century 21 Beutler & Associates.

Honorable mentions were: Luke Brown, Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty; Angie O’Steen, Century 21 Beutler & Associates; Christine Brochier, John L. Scott; Greg Washington, Windermere Real Estate; Norm See, Realteam Real Estate Center; Claudia Brennan, Tomlinson Sotheby’s International Realty; and Joel Pearl, Joel Pearl Group.

These REALTOR® partners are most deserving of this top recognition because of the outstanding job they’ve done in representing the most Coeur d’Alene-area homebuyers who

process, helping borrowers qualify for a home loan that’s right for them.

Idaho Housing congratulates all of its partners for their hard work in helping Idahoans become homeowners by helping borrowers reduce their borrowing costs and removing barriers, such as lack of down payment, to help thousands of Idahoans own a home.

To date, the organization has invested more than $7.3 billion to help 96,000 families around the state. An important part of that investment is a robust homebuyer education program that has helped about 30,000 future Idaho homeowners. Learn more about Idaho Housing Home Loans at idahohousing.com. n

Cornerstones 9

IHFA News: Programs and Services

IHFA’s Community Involvement Statewide Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s (IHFA) commitment to Idaho communities is an integral part of the way we do business. Because of this, we get involved in numerous community and business events each year. Many of these events help educate our industry partners so they can better assist their clients with our programs. The programs we educate them about include our affordable home loans, housingidaho.com—a free rental and listing locator service; free housing counseling; Finally Home!® Homebuyer Education; and business development programs.

IHFA recently hosted a keynote luncheon in Coeur d’Alene. The event was headlined with a keynote address by Fred Kent, founder and president of Project for Public Spaces, and a leading authority on revitalizing city spaces through Placemaking. More than 170 business people, mayors, and elected officials in attendance listened to Mr. Kent’s insights on how Coeur d’Alene and surrounding cities can leverage existing assets to create and sustain places that attract and retain businesses and workers.

We participated in 11 events, reaching more than 4,000 consumers and business partners, including: Housing Industry Partners Ada County Association of REALTORS® Golf Tournament – Boise Idaho Property Professionals Conference – Boise Ada County Affordable Housing Summit – Boise Nampa and Caldwell Board of REALTORS® Golf – Caldwell REALTORS® drop by Idaho Housing’s booth during the annual Idaho Association of REALTORS® conference.

Business Partners Idaho Association of Counties Conference– Moscow

General Public Bipartisan Policy Center Housing Commission Public Forum – Sun Valley Southern Central Community Action Partnership in Action – Twin Falls Pocatello Chamber Business Day – Pocatello Keynote Luncheon and STAR Awards – Coeur d’Alene Look for IHFA in your community at the various events as listed on page 11.

Attendees visit Idaho Housing’s booth during the Pocatello Chamber’s annual conference.

10 November

Community Involvement Charitable Assistance to Communities Homeless 5K Run – Boise

During the event, IHFA honored its top lending partners throughout northern Idaho with its STAR awards presentation.

The top ten loan originators and top ten REALTORS® were recognized for their work connecting homebuyers with affordable IHFA home loans in the past year. n

Coeur d’Alene Lunch Poll: Attendees participate in an interactive poll during a Placemaking presentation.

Idaho Association of REALTORS® Annual Conference – Coeur d’Alene

Calendar of Events

December 3-5 Mortgage Bankers Association

Independent Mortgage Bankers conference, San Diego, CA, 800.793.6222

3-5 Housing Assistance Council National Rural Housing Conference, Washington, DC, 202.842.8600

10 Ada Couny Association of REALTORS ® Holiday Open House, Boise, 208.350.2460

25 IHFA Offices Closed

January

1 IHFA Offices Closed 12-17 National Council of State Housing Agencies HFA Institute, Washington, DC, 202-624-7710

19 IHFA Offices Closed

20-22 NAHB International Builders’ Show, Las Vegas, NV, 202.266.8610

26-27 Idaho Community Bankers Association Management and Directors’ Leadership Conference, Boise, 208.342.8282 26-28 Council for Affordable and Rural Housing Midyear Meeting, St. Pete Beach, FL, 703.837.9001 26-28 Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA 202.585.8162

February 1-4 Mortgage Bankers Association CREF/ Multifamily Housing Convention, San Diego, CA, 1.800.793.6222

13 Smart Women, Smart Money Financial Conference, Boise, 208.332.2952

16 IHFA Offices Closed

17 Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce After Hours, Coeur d’Alene, 208.664.3194

Conference on Housing and Economic Development • The 2015 Conference on Housing and Economic Development is scheduled for October 6-7, 2015 at the Boise Centre.

• Sponsorship opportunities and exhibit spaces are available.

Classes are specifically designed for first-time homebuyers and are taught throughout the state by regional training partners.

Contact the location nearest you for class schedules or go to idahohousing.com and follow the homebuyer education links.

Regional Training Partner Locations: Benewah, Kootenai, and Shoshone Counties: Coeur d’Alene Association of REALTORS ®, 208.667.0664 Boise: Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc., 208.258.6225, or visit www.nhsid.org Idaho Falls: Greater Idaho Falls Association of REALTORS ®, 208.523.1477 Nampa: Nampa Association of REALTORS ®, 208.467.9534 (English and Spanish available.)

Pocatello: NeighborWorks Pocatello 208.232.9468 Twin Falls: College of Southern Idaho, 208.732.6442, or visit www.csi.edu

SAVE THE DATE

Finally Home! Online: Finally Home!

Homebuyer Education course is offered online in English and Spanish. $50 at finallyhomecourse.com.

• Registration materials will be available in spring 2015.

For more information, call IHFA’s Marketing and Communications Department at 208.331.4884.

www.2015housingconf.com Cornerstones 11

PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Boise, ID Permit No. 479

Cornerstones is published triannually by IHFA for stakeholders, policy makers, and affordable housing partners. IHFA is a housing and finance business organization dedicated to providing and promoting affordable housing solutions throughout Idaho. Please direct questions and comments to the IHFA Marketing and Communications Department.

P.O. Box 7899 Boise, ID 83707-1899

Marketing and Communications Department Katrina Thompson, Marketing and Communications Manager Leslie Perkins, Marketing and Communications Officer Jason Lantz, Media Relations Officer Terri Eberlein, Communications Specialist

Executive Management Gerald M. Hunter, President and Executive Director

Changes needed? Please make corrections and return to IHFA at the above address.

Board of Commissioners David Wilson, Chairman Steven Keen, Vice Chairman Ralph Cottle, Secretary/Treasurer Jack Beebe Darlene Bramon Mark Dunham John Insinger

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208.331.4884 marcomm@ihfa.org

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Visit our website at: idahohousing.com

IHFA Facts: n IHFA has invested

Please check Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s website at www.idahohousing.com to view past issues.

To order additional copies or subscribe, please contact IHFA’s Marketing and Communications Department at 208.331.4884 or e-mail marcomm@ihfa.org.

more than $7.3 billion for 88,978 home loans for Idahoans.

n Since the program’s inception, IHFA

has awarded $61.6 million in LowIncome Housing Tax Credits, which has generated more than $483 million in equity toward the construction or rehabilitation of 11,253 rental units in 252 developments.

n IHFA provides service for

30,851 Idaho home loans (single-family).

IHFA Numbers to Know Existing Home Loans Customer Service 208.331.4888 Toll-Free in Idaho 1.800.526.7145 Idaho Housing New Home Loans 208.424.7066 Toll-Free in Idaho 1.866.432.4066 Website: idahohousing.com Homebuyer Education and Foreclosure Prevention 208.331.4876 Toll-Free in Idaho 1.877.888.3135 Website: idahohousing.com Lenders and Mortgage Brokers 208.331.4883 Toll-Free in Idaho 1.800.219.2285 Housing Information & Referral Center Toll-Free in Idaho 1.877.438.4472 Website: housingidaho.com Grant Programs 208.331.4881 Toll-Free in Idaho 1.877.447.2687 Multifamily Development 208.331.4880 The Housing Company 208.331.4890 Toll-Free in Idaho 1.800.361.5181 Hearing and Speech Impaired 1.800.545.1833 Ext. 628 Website: thehousingcompany.org Home Partnership Foundation 208.424.7010 Website: homepartnershipfoundation.org Bond or Investor Information 208.331.4885 Human Resources Toll-Free in Idaho 1.888.900.3713 Housing Authority Numbers for Southwest Idaho Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority 208.345.4907 Southwest Idaho Cooperative Housing Authority 208.585.9325 (Adams, Boise, Canyon, Blaine, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley, & Washington Counties) Hearing and Speech Impaired TDD Toll-Free in Idaho 1.800.545-1833 Ext. 400 Rental Assistance 208.331.4886 Toll-Free in Idaho 1.800.219.2286 Coeur d’Alene 208.762.5113 or 1.866.621.2994 Idaho Falls 208.522.6002 or 1.866.684.3756 Lewiston 208.743.0251 or 1.866.566.1727 Twin Falls 208.734.8531 or 1.866.234.3435