As Seen in Idaho Business Review: Agencies work on future of affordable housing in Idaho
The Gem State is growing and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
As more people move into Idaho and families keep growing, the demand for housing will continue to increase. Affordable housing is starting to push outward, and more and more communities are likely to see more development with affordable housing opportunities.
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This creates an extreme need for affordable housing.
“While the rapid population growth has tapered off, the influx of people that moved to the Boise MSA over the past several years – as well as the ones who will move here in the near future with the tech companies building and expanding here – has created a great need for more housing, especially units that are affordable,” said Inga Hadder, chief operating officer for NeighborWorks Boise (NWB).
In a 2024 City of Boise Housing Needs Analysis, it was concluded that Boise will require more than 2,000 new or significantly renovated units each year over the next 10 years; 47% of this demand is for housing affordable to individuals and households earning less than 80% of the area median income.
Hadder explained that NWB is helping create a larger inventory of affordable housing for individuals and families, at or below that median income, by building subdivisions of reasonably priced single-family homes with common areas and remote parking.
“These ‘Pocket Neighborhoods’ provide opportunities for homeowners of diverse income levels and grew out of the desire by many to move closer to where they work and play,” she said.
NeighborWorks Boise is also helping preserve affordable housing through its Homeowner Repair Program, which offers needed home repairs for Meridian residents. Eligible applicants can receive home repairs with budgets between $2,000 and $25,000. Since implementing the program in 2021, NWB has served 24 households with an average of $20,695 in repairs per home. In December 2024, NWB was awarded $750,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to continue to provide home repairs – mostly for seniors and those with disabilities – throughout Ada and Canyon Counties. This helps keep people in their homes and thriving.
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