Throughout 2022, the REALTORS® Community Foundation focused volunteer and fundraising efforts to support four Ada County housing-related nonprofits and awarded grants to each: $6,000 to CATCH, Inc., $6,000 to Boise Rescue Mission, $6,000 to Women’s and Children’s Alliance, and $6,000 to Life’s Kitchen. Each nonprofit was represented at the check presentation ceremony that took place on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.
These funds helped CATCH secure stable housing and financial independence for their clients. Stephanie Day, Executive Director for CATCH, had this to say, “What a year! The pressure to house families has never been greater. Shelter beds are less available than they have ever been and the community need for shelter is rapidly growing. There are 254 families in Ada County alone needing help getting back into a home, and we are so thankful for our local partner, the REALTORS® Community Foundation, for helping us get them back to a safe and stable environment as quickly as possible!”
Boise Rescue Mission Ministries expressed how grateful they were to be recipients of the grant funds. The money they received is helping to meet emergency shelter and transitional housing needs for homeless men, women, and children across the Treasure Valley. These funds ensure that our homeless neighbors have access to safe emergency overnight shelters, transitional housing, and programs that help each person work through the unique obstacles they face. Whatever the need, Boise Rescue Mission Ministries is working to provide the supportive environment their guests need to accomplish their goals, successfully get back on their feet, find safe, stable, affordable housing, and regain their independence.
Jason Billester, Vice President of Development for Boise Rescue Mission Ministries, had this to say, “It’s just incredible for us to see firsthand the impact an amazing partner like REALTORS Community Foundation can have in the lives of the people we serve. Together, we are restoring dignity, a sense of purpose, and hope for hundreds of our homeless and hurting neighbors right here in our community.”
The Women’s and Children’s Alliance provides a secure emergency and transitional shelter program, in confidential locations with round-the-clock staff assistance. The grant monies this year will help provide private rooms and common living facilities for women and children who are fleeing domestic and/or sexual assault. Bev La Chance, Grants Director for WCA, expressed her gratitude at the check presentation ceremony as she highlighted WCA’s work with the Ada County Courthouse, assisting individuals with protection orders and measures needed to remain safe.
Grant monies will help Life’s Kitchen continue their important work of providing Opportunity Youth (formally at-risk youth) with valuable skills and the resources they need to become independent, financially stable, and successful. Tammy Johnson, Executive Director of Life’s Kitchen, had this to say, “The REALTORS® Community Foundation provided much needed funds to continue the support of our youth in workforce development, GED and life skills, the grant awarded to Life’s Kitchen will help ensure we continue to provide much needed services and empower youth in the community. We are so thankful for the REALTORS® Community Foundation!”
Additionally, funds were donated to three other organizations in Elmore and Gem counties. In Elmore County, the Foundation provided a $3,340 grant to the City of Mountain Home Parks and Recreation. In Gem County, the Foundation granted $1,500 to the Emmett Valley Friendship Coalition and $1,500 to the Pound Animal League of Gem County, Inc.
“Real estate professionals care about those in our community, and their ability to stay in their homes or find housing,” said Shannan Berry, 2022 REALTORS® Community Foundation President. “It’s an honor to support these organizations, and in turn, help those struggling with housing and food insecurity, especially during these challenging times. Each of us may donate and volunteer as individuals but it’s rewarding to see the greater impact we have when we come together.”
# # #
The REALTORS® Community Foundation was established in 1995 with a mission to improve the quality of life in the Boise region through housing-related projects and grants. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided over $1.8 million in grants to qualifying non-profit organizations. The Foundation is the charitable arm of Boise Regional REALTORS® (BRR), a 501(c)6 trade association, representing real estate professionals throughout the Boise region. Established in 1920, BRR is the largest local REALTOR® association in the state of Idaho, helping members achieve real estate success through ethics, professionalism, and connections. BRR has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Intermountain MLS (IMLS) and the REALTORS® Community Foundation.
