Program areas at Blaine County Charitable Fund
Financial assistance programs: the organization formed three pathways to receiving financial assistance. Emergency rent assistance can be applied for up to three times a year and awards are based on the previous month's income, as well as progression towards decreasing expenses or increasing income. 1st/last/deposit assistance is provided for individuals when they secure new housing and the awarded amount is based on the previous month's income and ability to pay rent in the future. Rapid relief assistance is provided for needs outside of what is described above and can include emergency hotel stays, gas/grocery cards, transportation costs, medical & dental expenses, and utilities. 326 households were served with these organizationally funded financial assistance grants for a total of 290,000.
Mission based special projects: - the remaining 181,434 limelight fire funds were distributed to 28 individuals and 24 condo owners. -the j&j trailer relocation project concluded in the fall of 2023 with the permanent placement of six trailers at the meadows rv park. - due to a lack of adequate transitional housing, and population surges during 2022, the organization expanded their emergency housing program from short term stays to winter long stays primarily focused on keeping elderly and children safe during the coldest winter months. Concluding in march of 2023, 112,000 was expended to keep 158 individuals (59 of those children) for a total of 55 households housed in hotel rooms and community shelters. The average length of stay was 71 days.
Contracted services: - the organization contracted with Idaho housing & finance through their home arp homelessness grant program for the final quarter of the year. The grant supports staff time and overhead costs associated with working with the households that qualify as homeless, or at risk of homelessness, according to hud definitions.
Organizational growth & outreach: - the organization relocated to new offices shared with the Blaine County housing authority located at 111 n 1st ave, suite 2j, in hailey. The office is open five days a week serving dozens of walk in inquiries each week, and taking client appointments in a private office setting. - the organization provides community outreach at community gathering locations such as the hunger coalition food distribution events, mexican consulate visits, and hispanic heritage festival events.