As March comes to a close, we are reflecting on a month of meaningful impact at NeighborWorks® Boise—from celebrating Katie’s journey to homeownership to advancing community partnerships and preparing for Paint The Town™. We are grateful for the continued support of partners like Idaho Power and for the generosity shown through the Sacred Heart donation drive. Each of these moments reflects the power of community coming together—because a home changes everything.
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Opening Doors: Katie’s Journey to Homeownership
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During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women who shape our communities in big and small ways. Sometimes those moments are quiet but powerful — like the day someone receives the keys to a home they once thought might be out of reach.
Recently, Kathleen — known as Katie to friends and family — celebrated becoming a homeowner. Surrounded by loved ones, Katie received the keys to her new home, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with stability, opportunity, and the chance to build new memories.
One of the most meaningful moments came just after closing, when her mother pulled her into a hug and whispered, “I am so proud of you.”
Moments like these remind us why homeownership matters.
Katie’s journey to homeownership did not happen overnight. Like many first-time buyers, she benefited from guidance, preparation, and access to the right resources along the way. Through NeighborWorks® Boise’s HomeOwnership Center (HOC) — part of the national NeighborWorks America network — families receive homebuyer education, counseling, lending support, and access to down payment assistance that help make homeownership possible.
Katie’s story is just one example of what is possible when the right guidance and resources come together.
If you or someone you know dreams of owning a home, NeighborWorks Boise may be able to help. Learn more about our homebuyer education, counseling, and lending programs through the HomeOwnership Center at nwboise.org.
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Community in Action: Sacred Heart Catholic School Supports NeighborWorks® Boise Families
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Community in action starts with showing up—and Sacred Heart Catholic School did just that. NeighborWorks® Boise was honored to receive an incredible show of support from the students, families, and staff at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Boise.
Led by the school’s 8th grade class, the Sacred Heart community organized a supply drive to benefit local families living in NeighborWorks Boise’s communities. What began as a student-led effort quickly grew into a school-wide project, with students collecting needed pantry and household items and then coming together to sort, pack, and prepare donations for delivery.
The result was inspiring. Sacred Heart 8th graders assembled 50 boxes of lunch items for families at our properties and collected more than 10 additional boxes of essential supplies, including tuna, oil, sugar, flour, paper towels, toilet paper, and other household basics. These everyday items help families stretch their budgets and support our Resident Services team in keeping pantry shelves stocked for neighbors who need extra support.
Read More . . .
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NeighborWorks® Boise team at Idaho Conference on Housing and Economic Development: presenting networking, and tabling.
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Powering Stability in Our Community
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We are grateful to Idaho Power for their $6,000 investment in NeighborWorks® Boise, including a $1,000 contribution from employees. Their support of Paint The Town™ and Rake Up Boise™ helps provide critical home repairs and seasonal maintenance for seniors, veterans, and neighbors with disabilities—ensuring they can remain safely in their homes.
As a longtime partner, Idaho Power’s generosity, volunteerism, and employee giving continue to make a meaningful difference in our community.
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Homebuyer & Personal Finance Workshops
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NeighborWorks® Boise offers free Homebuyer Education and Personal Finance workshops designed to build confidence and create pathways to homeownership.
Check out these flyers to learn more about topics and sessions. If you are interested in hosting a workshop at your business or organization, please reach out to our Housing Education Manager.
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Community Partner Spotlight: Brandi Vega, Eat Smart Idaho
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At NeighborWorks® Boise, strong communities are built through partnership. This month, in recognition of National Nutrition Month, we are proud to highlight Brandi Vega with Eat Smart Idaho.
Brandi has served as a Nutrition Instructor with Eat Smart Idaho for more than twelve years, bringing hands-on education and a deep passion for food, health, and community to every class she leads. Through her partnership with NeighborWorks® Boise, she has supported residents at our multifamily communities by providing nutrition education and resources that complement our food pantry and resident services programs.
Eat Smart Idaho offers free nutrition and physical activity education for individuals and families who qualify for programs such as SNAP, WIC, or Head Start. Participants learn how to prepare healthy meals on a budget, plan ahead, keep food safe, and make informed choices at the grocery store. The program also introduces new recipes and provides useful tools that make healthy living more accessible and sustainable.
Brandi’s impact goes beyond the classroom. She is known for creating a welcoming, engaging environment where participants feel comfortable learning and trying new things. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she connects with a wide range of community members, ensuring more neighbors have access to valuable nutrition education and resources.
“Brandi brings such a genuine passion for what she does, and it shows in every interaction. She connects so naturally with our residents—inviting them to share their stories and connecting with them in a meaningful way. We are incredibly grateful for the care and energy she brings to our communities,” said Angela Paz, Resident Services Coordinator at NeighborWorks® Boise.
Her dedication has made a meaningful difference for the individuals and families she serves—helping them build confidence, stretch their budgets, and support their overall well-being.
We are grateful for partners like Brandi and Eat Smart Idaho who help strengthen our community and support neighbors on their path to stability.
Learn more about Eat Smart Idaho.
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April 21 & 22, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Homebuyer Education Class (Nampa). Register here.
May 26 & 27, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Homebuyer Education Class (Boise). Register here.
Idaho Gives: May 4-7, 2026
Paint the Town: June 13, 2026
Rake Up Boise: November 14, 2026
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Support our Resident Services Program
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Our Mission: To lead in creating innovative housing solutions for underserved populations through strategic partnerships that contribute to building stronger communities.
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