Idaho Gives week and a new program from Jesse Tree

This week, we are excited to kick off Idaho Gives (www.idahogives.org/organizations/jessetree)!

Private, flexible funding from individual donors is incredibly helpful to prevent eviction and homelessness. Case managers often use private funding to serve neighbors quickly, as it is much more flexible than other government funding sources.

Jesse Tree staff have many examples of working with clients with three-day notices or in eviction proceedings, when flexible funding was key to preventing eviction. Just one example demonstrating the value of private rental assistance funding came this week, where a tenant called us and had an eviction court date the next day. He was $1,125 behind, and needed help with $225 in late fees. Yesterday, we were able to work out a deal with the landlord, cut him a check, and get his case dismissed. A Jesse Tree case manager will continue to work with the tenant to make sure he has what he needs to stay housed.

All donations made during Idaho Gives will go to support our neighbors who have nowhere else to turn. Our team continues to step up and support almost 100 Treasure Valley tenant households per month with rental assistance and/or case management, and many of those tenants are supported with private dollars.

We know it will take all of us, working together, to overcome the current housing crisis in our community. Your partnership provides crucial support to keeping people housed. Thanks for your continued support.