Community Medical Resources

At LEAP, we recognize the significant connection between health and housing. As an affordable housing developer we seek to provide clean, safe, and stable homes for all of our residents. In an attempt to care for the overall health and well-being of our residents, we partnered with Genesis Community Health to learn more about medical resources in the Treasure Valley and surrounding areas.

We know that finding a reliable and inexpensive healthcare provider can often feel overwhelming and complicated. Thanks to Josh Campbell, at Genesis Community Health, we have put together a comprehensive network of medical assistance resources. Through the creation of this document we hope to make these resources available and easily accessible, ultimately reducing the barriers that keep households from accessing healthcare.

This document contains free and sliding fee medical care options, medical expense assistance, and where to find free or low-cost medical insurance. Here you will find a one page, printable resource flyer. Please check out the resources and see if you qualify today!

How to Find an Affordable Housing Rental

There is a shortage of housing, and now with the impacts from the pandemic -- it is more competitive than ever to find an affordable rental. If you’re looking for a place to live, or may even have a voucher, you’ll need to be ready in the event a unit becomes available on the market.

Here are five tips from LEAP Executive Director, Bart Cochran, on how to prepare and find yourself an affordable housing rental in an increasingly competitive market.

1. Get ready. Landlords will ask you to fill out an application and provide supporting documents (such as proof of income). Gather it all up and put it in a folder. Be prepared to share it at a moment's notice when the opportunity presents itself.

2. Standout (in a good way). Create a list of accomplishments that help you stand out from the crowd. Programs you have graduated from, volunteering that you do -- anything to show you are responsible and capable of being a successful renter. If given the opportunity, gather letters of recommendation. Your employer, case worker or even faith leader are always great additions.

3. Use online resources. Housingidaho.com - This is the central hub for affordable rentals in the valley. This is the main listing site managed by IHFA. Start by searching here and look for available units. There is a phone number you can call too, called the housing hotline. It is staffed by our friend Erik Kingston who is a wealth of knowledge. The housing hotline number is 855-505-4700 - Ext. 8602.

Hotpads.com - This site aggregates all the other rental listing sites together (including craigslist into one place - except housingidaho.com). This becomes a one stop shop. The search is easy because it is map based so you can really refine your search to your needs, liking, etc. Best of all you can set up alerts that will tell you real time when something gets listed in your price range, unit size, location, etc.

4. Be persistent and check back regularly. If there continue to be no vacancies, look at the various properties listed on housingidaho.com (even if they show no vacancy) and identify sites you would like to live at. Call these properties directly and ask to get on their waiting list. As for confirmation that you are in fact on the waiting list and how far down that list you are. Check back with the property manager weekly.

5. Ask questions (kindly). Are there currently any vacancies? Have I moved up the list at all? Are there any vacancies coming up that you know of? Most importantly - be super nice! The property manager is the gatekeeper to vacant units and also someone you will have to get along with if you move in. Don't hesitate to go the extra mile to make sure the PM knows you are a great person. They have a difficult job and your kindness will go a long way.

Good luck out there!

P.S. This blog post is ideal for someone preparing for or currently searching for an affordable rental that is currently housed and has at least a 30 day window of time to locate one. If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless we recommend you contact our friends at Our Path Home.Check out their site for more information in their critical community resources.

Giving Opportunity!

As LEAP creates more affordable homes, we are seeking to prepare to welcome our guests and residents as best we can. One way we do this is by providing welcome baskets and essential items for all of our residents. This includes everyone in Welcome Housing, LEAP affordable rental homes, and new homeowners.

Below are some common household items and supplies we are currently in need of. 

Cleaning Supplies:

• multi-purpose cleaner

• floor cleaner

• window cleaner

• dish soap

• dishwasher detergent 

• Dish sponges

• 13 gal. trash bags

• toilet paper

• paper towels

Here are some places you can use to support our new residents!

AMAZON LIST:

LOCAL COMPANIES:

For kitchen supplies/cleaning supplies, please use the Boise Co-op (Order in-person or online).

For household goods/decor/storage containers/baskets (please contact us before buying):

• The Boise Farmers Market

• Mixed Greens

• Idaho Made

GIFTCARDS:

• Winco ($25)

• Walmart ($25)

Please contact info@leaphousing.org for more information. Thank you for supporting LEAP and everyone in our community accessing affordable housing through our services!