A path forward

HAADIYA TARIQ

htariq@idahopress.com

BOISE — The city’s newest affordable housing development has introduced 95 homes, signifying a second chance for individuals exiting homelessness.

A ribbon cutting took place Wednesday at New Path II after years in the making. The development is right next door to the pre-existing New Path, which has 41 units off Fairview Avenue.

In the chill morning air, it wasn’t clear whether Mayor Lauren McLean was sniffling due to cold weather or because she was overwhelmed with pride.

“You’ve built homes in the state, in so many places, that are making it possible for this city to stand by the commitment that I — that we — have made,” McLean said, thanking developer Pacific Companies. “And that is, we’re not going to let what’s happened in other cities happen here.”

In an interview with the Idaho Press, McLean elaborated on her goals and noted a national rise in homelessness following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“What we saw in other cities was they allowed encampments, things got out of hand,” McLean said. “And we continue to hear, and will hear in the future as we move into election cycles, that encampments are something that Boise’s OK with. Full stop — that is absolutely not the case.”

The city’s work to counter homelessness has included building partnerships, funding investments and taking preventative measures to keep residents out of homelessness, McLean said.

At Wednesday’s ribbon cutting, Pacific Companies President Caleb Roope spoke on the community efforts that led to the completion of both developments, describing over 1,000 people who have played a part in making them come to fruition. He also credited McLean’s leadership.

“As a developer, as an owner of these buildings, we are often looking toward where the elected leaders share a philosophy of wanting to truly help their community,” Roope said.

The ribbon cutting of New Path II marked the introduction of 95 transitional housing units for individuals leaving homelessness, Sept. 30, 2026, in Boise.

HAADIYA TARIQ/IDAHO PRESS

This transitional housing model largely depends on collaboration between a private partner, like Pacific Companies, and the local government that is willing to make the process as smooth as possible. While the city can’t simply prop up an affordable housing development on its own, Boise can offer incentives to make a project more attractive to private developers.

The incentives are strengthened through collaboration with other entities that can also offer forms of support. New Path II was made possible through tax credits, a city investment fund and through an ongoing U.S. Treasury Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results Act. Also known as SIPPRA, the city is reimbursed up to $6.6 million for housing projects that show “a reduction in community costs,” according to a 2024 city press release.

“All of that is necessary to make this pencil and work out for a developer,” McLean told the Idaho Press about the various funding pieces.

The New Path II building’s blue facade is one of the only visible distinguishers from the original New Path which was opened in 2017. The new six-story apartment complex offers a mix of one-bedrooms and studios and will continue partnerships with community organizations to offer services in-house.

Health service provider Terry Reilly recently celebrated 55 years in the Treasure Valley and is in its ninth year in a formal partnership with the city. According to Director of Community Engagement Claudia Weathermon, the original New Path marked the organization’s first supportive services contract with the city.

Lesette Ortiz, housing program manager for Terry Reilly, said the services they provide include referrals for medical and dental care, case managers that can advise on Social Security, and housing specialists that can help residents navigate challenges. The well-rounded support is available on a daily basis and offers residents support as they exit homelessness.

The value of providing services on site: Ortiz said transportation is one of the biggest barriers to getting medical support.

“Even when people have zero to no income, they don’t always meet the other requirements to get a free ride for their appointments,” she said. “Or they don’t qualify for (Medical Transportation Management) with the Medicaid program. So then, oftentimes they’re having to walk miles to just get simple basic-needs care.”

Being on site has also allowed Terry Reilly workers to see the developments’ impact firsthand. Between New Path and New Path II there will be 14 Terry Reilly employees.

“Recently, we had somebody move in. She’s like, ‘This is the first time that I’ve been able to sleep at night throughout the night without being fearful,’” Ortiz said. “(We’re) being able to see how they feel secure in their home.”

The ability to save money by living in transitional housing also makes a big difference, Ortiz said. One resident expressed excitement that they were able to save up and buy a TV. Another was able to purchase a car to get to appointments. Weathermon noted that many New Path residents have been able to use their stay to get back on their feet and eventually move out.

“We’re just really happy to be a part of this community group and organization, like (other speakers) said, there were quite a lot of partners that are involved in this, and it just doesn’t happen with one organization,” Ortiz said. “It happens because the community decides to come together and support these individuals who need it.”

HaadiyaTariq is the Boise reporter for the Idaho Press. You can follow her on socials @HaadiyaTariq or email her at htariq@idahopress. com.