Meet the Russells

A Home Changes Everything.

After spending time away from Idaho, Eric and Kelly Russell returned home—only then realizing how much housing costs had changed. As they searched for a place to settle, they found themselves living in a hotel. What was meant to be temporary stretched into nearly four months, quickly draining the savings they had worked so hard to build.

Their path forward began through connection. At a Business Network International (BNI) meeting, an external lender learned about NeighborWorks® Boise (NWB) through Financial Education Manager Ty and helped connect the Russells to the team—setting in motion a path forward.

From there, it became a true example of how the NWB HomeOwnership Center℠ works—bringing together education, counseling, and lending to create a path forward.

Chris, Mortgage Lending Manager at NWB, reviewed their financials and confirmed they could qualify for a home. Ela, Lead Housing Counselor, provided pre-purchase counseling to help them feel confident and prepared for the journey ahead.

At the same time, another part of the story was unfolding. Michael, Rehab and Asset Manager at NWB, was working on a home at Mellodee Thornton—carefully preparing it for its next chapter.

As the previous homeowner’s health declined, NWB staff stepped in to provide stability, care, and support—ensuring she could remain in her home with dignity. Her family, who lived out of state, was deeply grateful for the compassion shown during that time. After her passing, they chose to donate the home, creating an opportunity for another family to build a new beginning.

Through thoughtful rehabilitation, the home was updated to support long-term livability, including ADA modifications to meet the Russells’ needs.

When Eric and Kelly learned about the opportunity, everything began to come together. With guidance from the NWB team, they qualified to purchase the home—and on March 13, they closed.

Today, the Russells have a safe, affordable home close to their family, their place of worship, and the everyday amenities that make life stable and connected.

Their story is also a reflection of something larger. The lender who first made the connection was so inspired by the experience that they later returned as a volunteer in the NWB Homebuyer Education program—continuing the cycle of neighbors helping neighbors.

At NWB, this is what it means to create, preserve, and stabilize housing. A home is not just a structure—it is stability, dignity, and opportunity. In this case, it is also a legacy of care, passed from one neighbor to another—and now, a new beginning for the Russells.

Because at NWB, a home changes everything.