2014 Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge

Domestic violence is one of the major factors contributing to homelessness. In fact, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, 63 percent of homeless women have experienced domestic violence. While all homeless individuals experience different obstacles to finding housing, families tend to stay in shelters, temporary and transitional housing longer than single individuals. And those who’ve experienced domestic abuse often have particularly difficult time securing permanent housing due to damaged credit, lack of access to income and questionable employment histories, resulting from the abusive relationship. The National Coalition for the Homeless reports that landlords often discriminate against victims if they have a protection order or any other indicator of domestic violence, adding additional obstacles to finding safe, permanent housing. Also, if violence occurs in the home, landlords can evict their tenants, resulting in a victim becoming homeless because he or she was abused.

The WCA provides temporary and transitional shelter to individuals and families who have been impacted by domestic abuse and then work with them to help identify secure housing options. Nonprofits, including the WCA, that provide essential housing services in Idaho communities could receive a funding boost of more than $200,000 this month thanks to the Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge. This online fundraising campaign presented by The Home Partnership Foundation and its eight corporate sponsors helps provide critical resources for Idaho’s homeless.

Donors are encouraged to go to www.avenuesforhope.org from Dec. through Dec. 13 to learn about the 31 nonprofits and track their fundraising progress. In addition, the money they raise through individual donations, nonprofits are eligible for portions of up to $200,000 in grants from the Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization created by Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA). Last year, Avenues for Hope had a $233,469 impact on homelessness in Idaho. More than $380,000 has been donated through the campaign since its inception in 2011.

“Homelessness affects Idahoans from all walks of life – from students and families to veterans and the elderly,” said Gerald M. Hunter, president of the Foundation and IHFA. “Meeting their basic housing needs is a daunting challenge, especially at a time when traditional funding sources aren’t keeping pace with demand. If you care bout reducing homelessness in your community, this is a great opportunity to help.”

For more information, got to www.avenuesforhope.org, call 208.331.4756 or email [email protected]. You can follow the campaign on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HomePartnershipFoundation) and Twitter (@avenuesforhope).