Foundation launches to help families in housing market

A new nonprofit foundation is aiming to help North Idaho families struggling with rising housing costs.

The Young Family’s Foundation, with an office in downtown Coeur d'Alene, launches with a mission "to empower young, hardworking families to achieve the dream of homeownership." 

The North Idaho organization partners with local banks and mortgage lenders to offer loan assistance, financial education and long-term support to help families overcome the barriers of owning a home, a press release said.

“We’re not just talking about homes, we’re talking about the American Dream, about people's futures and the heart of community,” said Pat Hogan, founder of Young Family’s Foundation. “When families are forced to leave, local businesses struggle to hire, schools lose students, and the core of the community loses its stability. This foundation is our commitment to the families who make North Idaho strong, and ensuring they have a place here for generations to come.” 

With the median home price in Kootenai County around $550,000, Hogan said YFF is responding to a critical need. 

In 2016, 75% of Kootenai County households could afford a median-priced home. Today, that number has plummeted to just 20%. For families that grew up in the area, the dream of staying close to home and contributing to the community that raised them is slipping out of reach, the release said. 

The Foundation’s work ties directly into broader economic and workforce issues, Hogan said.

According to recent economic data, 71% of employers in Kootenai County cannot find workers to fill open positions, citing the lack of affordable housing as a key barrier.

This crisis not only displaces families but risks stalling business growth, healthcare access and educational systems across the region, the release said.

YFF's services are provided through approved bank partners and include loan assistance in collaboration with trusted local lenders; financial education workshops to build lasting stability; and homeownership counseling tailored for first-time buyers.

“This is about solutions. We’re partnering with local banks to provide real, immediate support. Every donation goes 100% towards helping families take their final step into homeownership,” said Corina Larabee, YFF co-founder and executive director.

Now that Young Family’s Foundation platform is available, everyone can make a difference in the mission to preserve the future of North Idaho communities, Hogan said.

Hogan said there are several ways to help, including donations, partnerships and volunteering.

"Every contribution helps hardworking families take one step closer to homeownership and long-term stability," Hogan said.

Maggie Lyons, executive director of The Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance, said PAHA and the Young Families Foundation "share a bold mission: To reimagine what’s possible and restore the dream of homeownership for our local workers who keep our communities running — whose wages cannot and will not catch up to the soaring cost of housing here in Kootenai County."

Info: YFFIdaho.org