Nampa Community Family Shelter

The Community Family Shelter offers an opportunity to families and single women experiencing homelessness to make changes in their lives that will lead to self-sufficiency and transitional or permanent housing. Residents also receive assistance in enrolling in courses, gaining employment, and accessing community services.

The new Community Family Shelter was completed in early March 2002 after more than three years of diligent work by community organizations and citizens. The one-story facility is just over 9,000 square feet and has 56 beds, a commercial kitchen, office space, playroom and outdoor playground, and group dining and living areas.

The total estimated cost for this project, excluding land, is $984,000. The project site was donated by the Church of Latter Day Saints and is valued at approximately $190,000. The City of Nampa committed $245,000 of HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in 2000, an additional $100,000 in 2001, and $237,000 in 2002 - bringing the City's contribution to $582,000. The remaining funds will be acquired through grant applications and private fundraising by Mercy Housing Idaho, Nampa Shelter Foundation, and the Salvation Army. Idaho Housing and Finance Association agreed to an interim construction loan with favorable terms until remaining funds can be raised. All entities have been encouraged to focus regionally on fundraising, as it will be the only homeless shelter in a nine-county area.