Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge Raises a Record $6.1 Million

Housing-focused nonprofits in Idaho received a big boost in December thanks to a record year for the 15th annual Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge. Together, 106 nonprofit organizations raised $6.1 million– a 17 percent increase from the previous high.

Survivors of domestic violence, children and veterans are among the almost 10,000 Idahoans who sought help for homelessness in the past year. Tens of thousands of others struggled to afford suitable housing for their families. This statewide effort helps the front-line organizations that prevent homelessness and that provide support and shelter for the most vulnerable in Idaho communities.

“Housing access and affordability are major concerns across the nation,” said Gerald M. Hunter, president of Idaho Housing. “The Avenues for Hope fundraiser each December is a vital resource to help address these issues in our state.”

More than 7,200 people participated in the fundraiser, which saw a 25 percent jump in new donors. Together, they made a record 7,900 contributions, big and small.

“The fact that the 2025 campaign raised almost $1 million more than last year showcases the commitment of generous Idahoans and our sponsors,” said Ken Corder, director of philanthropy for the Idaho Housing Foundation, which organizes the fundraiser. “Their compassion and their generosity are examples of what can happen when people come together with the shared goal of providing shelter – and hope – to our Idaho neighbors.”

This year’s top nonprofits were Interfaith Sanctuary ($849,712), LEAP Housing ($682,484) and Jesse Tree ($627,743).
The campaign, organized by the Idaho Housing Foundation, has raised $27 million since its inception in 2011.

Avenues for Hope would not be possible without the support of these generous sponsors:

Presenting: Idaho Housing and Finance; Zions Bank

Platinum: ICCU; Wells Fargo

Gold: Albertsons; Bank of America; Boise Impact Group; Buy Idaho; Debbie and Jack Hetherington; J.P. Morgan; RBC Capital Markets

Silver: Barclays; Boise Housing Corporation; Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation; Bonial & Associates; Intermountain Gas; Magellan Cares Foundation; The Pacific Companies; PNC; Skinner Fawcett LLP; Washington Trust Bank

Bronze: BOK Financial Capital Markets; Brighton; Cicchetti; Tansley & McGrath LLP; Hawley Troxell; HUB; Jefferies; Mountain West Bank

Friends: Boise Regional Realtors; Citizens Community Bank; First American; Gerald M. Hunter; Gilmore Bell; Idaho Mortgage Lenders Association; MGIC; Raymond James; Stifel; Trustee Services Inc.; Yardi