What Housing Assistance Programs Are Available in the Treasure Valley?
Idaho’s Treasure Valley is an attractive place to live, but the cost of housing can be daunting. If you’re struggling to afford a place to live, there are several housing assistance programs available to help.
What Is Housing Assistance?
Housing assistance is a general term for any type of government program or subsidy that helps low-income people afford housing. Housing assistance can come in various forms, including:
Rental assistance: This type of assistance helps pay for rent, typically in the form of a subsidy or voucher.
Down payment assistance: This type of assistance helps first-time homebuyers save for a down payment.
Homeownership counseling: This type of assistance provides education and counseling to help people understand their options and make informed decisions about buying a home.
Who Is Eligible for Housing Assistance?
Eligibility for housing assistance programs varies, but most programs are based on income. To qualify, you typically must meet the following criteria:
Be a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant.
Have a low income, which is typically defined as being at or below 80% of the area’s median income.
Meet specific needs related to housing, such as having a disability or being a senior citizen.
What Housing Assistance Programs Are Available in the Treasure Valley?
There are several housing assistance programs available in the Treasure Valley, including:
Housing Choice Voucher Program: This program provides rental assistance to low-income families and individuals.
Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA): IHFA offers a variety of down payment assistance and homeownership counseling programs for first-time homebuyers.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW): IDHW offers a variety of housing assistance programs, including a program for people with disabilities and a program for low-income seniors.
How Do I Apply for Housing Assistance?
To apply for housing assistance, you typically need to contact the local housing authority in your area. The housing authority will provide you with an application and help you determine what programs you may be eligible for. How to Apply for Housing Assistance
To apply for housing assistance, you typically need to contact the local housing authority in your area. The housing authority will provide you with an application and help you determine what programs you may be eligible for.
Contact Information for Local Housing Authorities in the Treasure Valley
Ada County Housing Authority: (208) 334-4500
Boise City Housing Authority: (208) 384-3900
Caldwell Housing Authority: (208) 459-4100
Canyon County Housing Authority: (208) 455-1499
Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA): (800) 656-4321
Additional Resources
In addition to the housing assistance programs listed above, there are several other resources available to help you find affordable housing in the Treasure Valley. These resources include:
2-1-1 Idaho: A free and confidential service that can connect you with a variety of housing resources. Dial 2-1-1 from any phone in Idaho.
Idaho Legal Aid Services: A non-profit organization that provides free legal assistance to low-income Idahoans.
Idaho Coalition to End Homelessness: A statewide organization that works to end homelessness in Idaho.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling to afford housing in the Treasure Valley, there are several housing assistance programs available to help. These programs can provide you with financial assistance, counseling, and other support services. To apply for housing assistance, contact your local housing authority.
Call to Action
If you’re interested in learning more about housing assistance programs in the Treasure Valley, please visit the following websites:
[Idaho Housing and Finance Association](https://ihfa.org/)
[Idaho Department of Health and Welfare](https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/)
[2-1-1 Idaho](https://www.211idaho.org/)