SVdP North Idaho receives federal grant to address youth homelessness

A mural for SVdP North Idaho shows Christ’s call to help those in need. (Couresy photo/SVdP North Idaho)

By Philip A. Janquart

ICR Editor

COEUR D’ALENE — A northern Idaho non-profit is expanding its efforts to combat youth homelessness after receiving a significant federal grant aimed at helping young adults secure stable housing and build long-term self-sufficiency.

St. Vincent de Paul of North Idaho has been awarded funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program.

The grant is part of a $3.8 million Allocation of the Continuums of Care Sub–recipient Idaho Housing & Finance Association, with St. Vincent de Paul named as one of five sub-recipients[SF1.1] receiving $827,000 to address Youth Homelessness for north Idaho youth community members.

“We were really honored,” said Scott Ferguson, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho. “It’s a unique opportunity to expand support for youth ages 18 to 24 to find permanent and sustainable housing.”

Addressing a growing need

Ferguson described the housing situation in North Idaho as a “moving target,” with demand consistently outpacing available resources.

“The target is always large,” he said. “Housing in our area is both unattainable and unaffordable for many.”

He noted that even professionals, including doctors and surgeons, face challenges entering the housing market in Kootenai County due to high costs and limited inventory. Those challenges are even more pronounced for low-income individuals and young adults just starting out.

The new funding is designed to address both barriers by increasing access to housing and providing financial assistance, including rental support and move-in costs.

Focus on young adults

The program specifically targets individuals ages 18 to 24, a demographic Ferguson said is often overlooked in broader discussions about homelessness.

Among those expected to benefit are graduating high school seniors experiencing homelessness, college students unable to afford local housing and young adults aging out of the foster care system.

In the Coeur d’Alene School District alone, roughly 280 students are identified as homeless under federal guidelines, including those who are couch-surfing or living in unstable conditions.

“We want to be very intentional about connecting with those students,” Ferguson said. “They’re about to become independent and need a place to go.”

The organization is also working with local non-profit partners, including SafetyNet, to assist youth transitioning out of foster care by helping furnish housing and provide basic necessities[SF2.1].

A ‘hand up,’ not a handout

A key component of the program is its emphasis on long-term success rather than short-term assistance.

Each participant will be paired with a case manager who will help develop life skills such as budgeting, decision-making and goal-setting.

“That’s the sustainability piece,” Ferguson said. “It’s not just about providing resources. It’s about having a plan for success.”

The program will include both Joint Component Transitional Housing/Rapid Re-Housing (TH/RRH), [SF3.1]allowing participants to move toward independence at a manageable pace.

Community collaboration

Ferguson said the initiative relies heavily on partnerships across the region, including property management companies willing to provide housing units, as well as local leaders and organizations committed to addressing the issue.

“This takes the whole community,” he said. “Business leaders, local government and non-profits all play a role in making sure these young adults succeed.”

The application process for the grant took approximately seven months, beginning with a letter of intent last summer. St. Vincent de Paul was notified of the award Jan. 3 and began administering the program March 1.

Looking ahead

While the grant covers a two-year period, Ferguson said the long-term goal is to create a sustainable model for addressing youth homelessness in North Idaho[SF4.1].

Additionally, St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho will strengthen partnerships with local employers, educators, and workforce programs to connect participants with job training and employment opportunities ensuring that housing stability is reinforced by economic mobility.

Plans also include developing a dedicated youth housing initiative and potentially establishing a housing complex specifically for young adults.

“We don’t want this to end in two years,” Ferguson said. “We want to build something that continues to support this demographic well into the future.”

Ultimately, he said, the effort is about investing in the next generation.

“These are future community leaders,” Ferguson said. “If we can support them now, we’re strengthening the entire community.”

The following Grant Acknowledgment & Disclaimer is required by IHFA:

This project was supported by YHDP Number ID9998Y0E012300 granted by the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Idaho Housing and Finance

Association (IHFA). Points of view in this document are those of the author and do not

Necessarily represent the official opinion of HUD or IHFA.