We must act to keep Idaho a wonderful place to live

It’s no secret that Idaho has changed in recent years. Growing up in Middleton, I was surrounded by wide-open spaces and sprawling farmlands. Those fields have gradually been replaced by subdivisions and apartment complexes, a shift that has brought both opportunities and challenges. While growth brings many benefits, it also comes with complications that must be addressed to ensure our communities remain great places to live.

One of the most pressing issues is the rising cost of housing. Historically, Idaho has been known for its affordability, but that reputation is becoming increasingly difficult to uphold. Over the past few years, rent has jumped by 40%. This drastic increase has left many long-time renters struggling to make ends meet, now facing an additional $400 to $500 in monthly costs.

This sudden price hike makes it harder for our neighbors to stay in their homes.

As the cost of living increases, so do eviction rates and homelessness. Eviction rates in many parts of Idaho doubled from 2022 to 2023, and waiting lists for housing assistance programs have grown longer. We’ve seen rising demand for emergency shelter, housing services, and rental assistance as more families struggle to remain housed.

The need for support is undeniable, and while our state’s nonprofits are doing great work to address this crisis, the problem is large and growing.

Across Idaho, nonprofits are stepping up to meet the challenge. Organizations like Jesse Tree are providing homeless prevention services to over 1,000 families each year. Other housing nonprofits in the state serve hundreds, if not thousands, more families in need. Their work is invaluable, but it’s not enough to keep up with demand.

Growing up here, I’ve always loved Idaho for its strong sense of community, natural beauty, and quality of life.

It’s why my husband and I, both Idaho natives, chose to raise our family here.

It’s also why so many people are flocking to this state. But I worry that, as the population grows, newcomers may take for granted the things that make our community special. Idaho didn’t become the livable, clean, and vibrant place it is today by accident. It has been the result of tireless efforts from individuals, organizations, and local governments working behind the scenes to create and maintain this environment. As our state grows, we must ensure that the same level of commitment continues.

That’s why this month, housing nonprofits across Idaho are running their annual online giving campaign, Avenues for Hope, at www.avenuesforhope.org.

If you are new to Idaho, I urge you to get involved, learn about the incredible work these nonprofits are doing, and contribute. Donations from individuals are the lifeblood of these organizations, and they are more important now than ever before as the need for their services has grown exponentially.

I truly believe Idaho can tackle the housing crisis differently than other states have, but we must all do our part. By investing in and supporting these organizations, we can ensure that our state remains a wonderful place to live for generations to come. The growth we are seeing today is not something to fear; it is something we must actively shape. As new residents move in, they must also contribute to the solution, not just the problem. Together, we can create a future where every Idahoan has access to housing they can afford, and the communities we love remain places of opportunity and hope.

Ali Rabe is the executive director at the local nonprofit Jesse Tree, which provides emergency rental assistance and case management to renters who are temporarily unable to pay their rent. She is also the State Senator for District 16 and an attorney who has spent 10 years working in the public sector.