BHT receives $15,000 grant
SANDPOINT — Bonner Homeless Transitions is among those groups receiving funds this week from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund for Idaho.
The fund approved nearly $600,000 for organizations throughout Idaho that are helping low-income individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability, food insecurity and/or domestic violence, along with those in need of physical or mental healthcare, and childcare. This is the second consecutive week of grantmaking. Approximately $300,000 has been sent each week. Grants will be made every week in April.
Bonner Homeless Transitions, which helps homeless famlies and individuals achieve self-sufficiency, will receive $15,000 for program fees for families for up to two months. Programs which will be helped by the grant include internet access for students to complete homework, facility utilities, client financial assistance for monthly bills, groceries and extra maintenance costs related to COVID-19.
Because needs are changing quickly, Fund organizers said organizations have flexibility to use the funds to meet their greatest needs.
In North Idaho, high-need grants will also go to the following organizations.
• Hayden Senior Center – $2,000 to purchase groceries, carry-out containers and additional sanitation supplies.
• Reliance Ministries – $4,000 to purchase formula, diapers and wipes for clients who are homeless or impoverished because of this pandemic, in addition to medical supplies for STD screening and fees associated with tests.
• St Vincent de Paul Salvage Bureau – $10,000 to maintain the men’s and women’s shelters. M
• St Vincent de Paul Society - St Francis of Assisi – $10,000 to help an estimated 100 men, women and children with emergency rental or housing assistance to prevent evictions and homelessness in Latah County.
• Team Wallace, Inc – $11,225 to prepare and serve meals in a socially distant manner, seven days a week to individuals who cannot afford food.
Two organizations received grants for their statewide efforts:
• American Red Cross of Greater Idaho – $25,000 to ensure it has enough workers and resources to collect vital blood products, and to create a public awareness and targeted outreach campaign to remind the public about the importance of donating blood.
• The Idaho Foodbank – $25,000 to increase food distribution by 30 percent, keep community pantries and school pantries stocked and open, adopt a prepared food box model for Mobile Pantries and provide emergency food boxes to vulnerable populations.
Grant applications were reviewed by a rapid response team and approved by a steering committee. Both are comprised of local community members, nonprofit leaders and others. Final approval comes from the ICF Board Executive Committee.
The COVID-19 Fund for Idaho received significant support from foundations, companies and individuals throughout Idaho. Lead Funding Partners are: M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, the Micron Foundation and Micron’s Boise team members, Wells Fargo Foundation and Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health.
To give: idahocf.org/covid-19. All donations received will go to organizations helping those in need.
The partners in the effort are: Idaho Community Foundation, Idaho Nonprofit Center, United Way of Treasure Valley and United Ways throughout Idaho, including: Twin County United Way (Lewiston), United Way of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County, United Way of Moscow/Latah County, United Way of North Idaho, United Way of South Central Idaho and United Way of Southeastern Idaho.