BHT readies for LBD fundraiser

SANDPOINT — Everyone knows that a little black dress is a wardrobe staple. And, like that ubiquitous LBD, Bonner Homeless Transitions is a community stable.

To help fund the program, which helps homeless families in the community, Bonner Homeless Transitions is hosting its third LIttle Black Dress benefit on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Sandpoint Event Center, 102 S. Euclid. The event runs from 5-9 p.m. and includes music, hors d’oeuvres, prizes, a no-host bar and a live auction.

Tickets are $25 per person and available online at eventbrite.com or in person at Eve’s Leaves, 326 N. First Ave., and Sandpoint Furniture, 501 Bonner Mall Way, Ponderay.

Bonner Homeless Transitions launched the fundraiser after a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for transitional housing ended throughout the country. The nonprofit is dependent upon tax deductible donations, community partnerships and grant funding to provide critical services to children and families in crisis in the community, said Joanne Barlow with Bonner Homeless Transitions.

After the grant ended, responsibility for funding the program shifted back to the local community. Fundraisers like Little Black Dress help the organization provide nearly 13,000 bed nights — of which 65 percent are children. The organization transitions 85 percent of clients to permanent housing, said Barlow.

Bonner Homeless Transitions provides — in addition to to the housing — case management, crisis intervention and help with transportation. Residents receive education and support to learn about budgeting, parenting and employment opportunities.

“We provide the resources that will help them receive assistance with food, clothing and access to medical services,” Barlow said. “We thank the community for their continued support and hope this year’s fundraising event will allow for continued service and support for the homeless families and children of our community.”

Describing its service as a “transition center” to permanent housing, as opposed to a shelter, Bonner Homeless Transition has nine adults and 12 children living in the variously sized apartments at Blue Haven, its transitional housing center and its adjacent annex.

Residents must be drug-free, with random drug testing mandated as part of the living arrangement. According to BHT statistics, more than 85 percent of transitional residents go on to find permanent housing.

“The average length of stay has been about 14 months,” Barlow said. “We kind of put people wherever we have room. Right now, with the tight housing situation, people have been staying longer.”

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.