HOUSING
Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA)
Address: 565 W Myrtle St,
Boise, ID 83702 (Headquarters)
Phone: 208-331-4700
Toll Free 877-428-8844
Website: https://www.idahohousing.com/
IHFA is a state-level organization that offers a wide range of programs to address Idaho's housing needs, including rental assistance (like Housing Choice Vouchers), homebuyer education, down payment assistance, and support for the homeless.
Eligibility requirements for IHFA's down payment assistance programs.
To be eligible for the Idaho Housing and Finance Association's (IHFA) down payment assistance (DPA) programs, applicants must meet a series of criteria related to residency, income, credit, and education
. While specific requirements can vary depending on the program, some apply across the board.
General eligibility requirements
Idaho residency: All IHFA loan products, including down payment assistance, are limited to Idaho residents purchasing property within the state.
Income limits: Most loan products require a household income of up to $170,000, though specific DPA programs may have lower income limits.
Credit and employment history: Borrowers must demonstrate an acceptable credit and employment history, and most programs require a minimum credit score. A score of 620 or higher is generally required for IHFA assistance.
Homebuyer education: Most borrowers using IHFA DPA must complete the "Finally Home!" homebuyer education course. Only one certificate is required per loan.
Down payment and closing cost assistance
IHFA offers a second mortgage for borrowers who need help with down payments and closing costs.
Borrower contribution: You must contribute at least 0.5% of the sales price from your own funds toward the purchase.
First-time or repeat buyer: This assistance is available to both first-time and repeat homebuyers.
Second mortgage structure: The assistance is provided as a second mortgage that is repaid over 15 years with low monthly payments.
Idaho Heroes Loan Program
This program offers specialized benefits for essential workers and military members.
Eligible occupations: The Heroes Loan is for essential workers, including:
First responders (firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and EMTs)
Healthcare professionals (nurses and doctors)
Teachers
Military members and veterans
Waived borrower contribution: Unlike other DPA programs, the minimum 0.5% borrower contribution is waived for Heroes Loan recipients.
Income limit: The income cap for the Heroes Loan is $125,000 in most counties, with a higher limit of $135,000 in Blaine County.
First-time or repeat buyer: Both first-time and repeat buyers can qualify.
How to apply
To get started with an IHFA down payment assistance program, the best first step is to connect with an IHFA lending partner. A lender will help you navigate the specific requirements and determine which programs you qualify for based on your individual financial situation.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW)
Address: 450 W State St,
Boise, ID 83702
Phone: 208-334-5500
Website: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/
The IDHW manages state and federal programs that can help with housing-related expenses. It oversees the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine and offers Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI), which provides cash assistance for housing and other essential needs.
2-1-1 Idaho CareLine
Address: This is a phone/online referral service, but the main Department of Health and Welfare location is:
450 W State St,
Boise, ID 83702
Phone: Simply dial 2-1-1
or call 800-926-2588
Website: https://211.idaho.gov/
A free, statewide service that connects Idaho residents with health and human service resources, including referrals for housing, rent and deposit assistance, emergency shelter, and more.
Boise Rescue Mission Ministries
Address: 308 S 24th St,
Boise, ID 83702
Phone: 208-343-2389
Website: https://boiserm.org/
This ministry provides essential services to men, women, and children in the Treasure Valley who are experiencing homelessness. Services include emergency shelters, hot meals, and long-term recovery and employment programs.
Canopy Village
Address: 1350 W Hanley Ave,
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
Phone: 208-667-1189
Website: https://canopyservices.org/
Canopy Village is a trauma-responsive organization offering emergency and residential shelter for children and youth in crisis. The organization helps stabilize families experiencing abuse, neglect, or homelessness.
Jesse Tree of Idaho
Address: 1121 W Miller St,
Boise, ID 83702
Phone: 208-383-9486
Website: https://www.jessetreeidaho.org/
Jesse Tree works to prevent eviction and homelessness by providing emergency rental assistance and other support services to low-income households in the Treasure Valley.
LEAP Housing Solutions
Address: Contact via email or website for project-specific information, as they do not operate from a public office.
Phone: 208-336-4610
Website: https://www.leaphousing.org/
LEAP is a non-profit real estate developer and service provider that creates and preserves affordable housing throughout Idaho through a variety of programs, including community land trusts, down payment assistance, and rental projects.
Our Path Home
Address: 503 S Americana Blvd,
Boise, ID 83702
Phone: 208-336-4663
(Housing Crisis Hotline)
Website: https://www.ourpathhome.org/
A partnership of service providers in Ada County focused on moving people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing. They operate a Housing Crisis Hotline and coordinate a "housing first" approach to address homelessness.
South Central Community Action Partnership (SCCAP)
Address: 550 Washington Street South,
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Phone: 208-733-9351
Website: https://www.sccap-id.org/
Serving the Magic Valley, SCCAP is a non-profit that offers various services for low-income individuals and families, including homeless assistance, help with first month's rent or deposits, and self-help homeownership programs.
The Haven
(Idaho Falls)
Address: 2480 W Yellowstone Hwy,
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Phone: 208-552-3200
Website: https://www.havenhelps.com/
The Haven operates a family shelter in Idaho Falls, providing safe and clean rooms, meals, and resources to help families and individuals find permanent housing and rebuild their self-sufficiency.
