Page 37 - Giving Guide_FINAL

A TIME FOR THANKS 37

The Home Partnership Foundation

learning,” Ward said. “We feel like nonprofits, sometimes called their board members and staff
housing is really that stabilizing access points or coordinated entry. involved as well.
factor that gives people an “We have identified those for “That’s why I think we get
opportunity to succeed in the each region … being the first so many gifts throughout the
other areas of their lives.” point of contact for someone country,” Ward said.
Last year, 9,255 people in Idaho experiencing homelessness,” Ward As the host of the campaign,
were estimated to be experiencing said. “At that point they do a needs the Home Partnership Foundation
homeless and accessing services; analysis to figure what the best wants to be equitable in promoting
about 4,000 of those were in the course of action is.” all the participating nonprofits.
Treasure Valley’s region (region “We realize people have given a
seven), according to the 2019 state Giving to the Avenues lot this year, and it’s appreciated,”
of homelessness report. for Hope fundraiser Ward said, acknowledging people
“We raised $46,000 our first year
in 2011,” Ward said. “We are grateful “With housing being such a large The Avenues for Hope fundraiser have given generously through
for the community support which part of the household budget, we is not meant to be competitive, COVID-19 and other hardships of
continues to grow significantly. want to help low income Idahoans Ward said, as the nonprofits are the year. “We realize people may be
This campaign has brought light stay housed as well as make sure “such a great network that works tapped out … but it is an import
to the services available, as well as the homeless are taken care of,” together.” That’s also why a lot time of year to be visible for year-
the funding needs of the nonprofit Ward said, with another goal being of the prizes provided by Home end giving.”
sector that help address the to prevent homelessness. Partnership Foundation are eligible And, so many nonprofits rely on
housing needs throughout Idaho.” “Homelessness is a very for every nonprofit, including a the community for support right
traumatic situation we’d like to help now, Ward said.
Finding the need people avoid,” Ward said. $2,500 dollar-for-dollar match “Anything people are still
“All our partners have a little bit “to help each nonprofit start out able, willing to give, it’s very
The Idaho Housing and Finance of a different role.” strong.” much needed and very much
Association issues a state of Some have a lot of efforts “We realize this is their busy time appreciated by the nonprofits that
homelessness report annually, around counseling and case of year,” Ward said. need it,” Ward said. “These groups
and considers reports collected by management, and they look at the The website is set up so that are dealing with a lot of hardships
similarly interested nonprofits, such whole household situation and community members can donate and difficult situations. We try to
as by United Way, several health help people become more self- to one nonprofit of their choosing make this campaign a way they can
care centers and school districts. sufficient long term. Those who or to every nonprofit in their communicate their needs and an
“School districts know [some] approach the Home Partnership neighborhood. It also includes easy opportunity to give.”
children don’t have a safe, warm Foundation for housing help sharing features, such as peer to Photos provided by
place to shower or do homework; are often referred to these other peer fundraising pages; this is a The Home Partnership Foundation
it’s not an ideal situation for their great way for nonprofits to get