Idaho Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Idaho.
Quick Facts
- State Population: Approximately 2.0 million (2025)
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 2,000 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024)
- Major Urban Centers: Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Idaho Falls, Pocatello
- Primary Challenges: Limited shelter capacity, rising housing costs, rural service gaps
- Key Counties: Ada County, Canyon County, Kootenai County, Bonneville County, Twin Falls County
Idaho Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape regarding homelessness in Idaho:
Camping & Sleeping in Public
Idaho is part of the 9th Circuit Court jurisdiction where the pivotal 2018 Martin v. City of Boise case originated. This case established that cities cannot enforce anti-camping ordinances against individuals experiencing homelessness when there are no available shelter beds. However, many municipalities maintain ordinances restricting camping in specific areas.
Relevant Case: Martin v. City of Boise, 920 F.3d 584 (9th Cir. 2019)
State Property Camping Restrictions
Idaho's State Code 67-1613 bans camping on unauthorized state property and defines camping broadly to include "storing personal belongings." Homeless advocacy groups have challenged this law as unfairly targeting individuals experiencing homelessness who have nowhere else to store their possessions.
Public Nuisance Laws
Various Idaho municipalities have public nuisance ordinances that can be used to address encampments. However, following the Martin v. Boise case, these ordinances may be subject to legal challenge if enforced against people who have no alternative shelter options.
Panhandling Regulations
Local ordinances regarding panhandling vary throughout Idaho. Courts have generally protected non-aggressive panhandling as protected free speech, but many cities regulate "aggressive" panhandling and solicitation in specific areas such as roadways.
Housing Rights
Idaho's landlord-tenant laws provide some protections for renters, but the state has fewer tenant protections than many other states. Some protections include requirements for security deposit returns and minimum notice periods for evictions. There are also fair housing protections against housing discrimination.
State Statute: Idaho Code Title 6, Chapter 3 (Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer)
Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance regarding your rights in Idaho, the following organizations can help:
Idaho Legal Aid Services
Provides free legal services for low-income residents in housing, benefits, and more.
Phone: (208) 746-7541
Website: idaholegalaid.org
Idaho State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
Connects individuals with attorneys who offer initial consultations at reduced rates.
Phone: (208) 334-4500
Website: isb.idaho.gov
Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program
Provides pro bono legal assistance for civil legal issues to qualified individuals.
Phone: (208) 334-4510
Website: isb.idaho.gov/ilf/ivlp
Disability Rights Idaho
Advocates for the legal rights of people with disabilities, including housing rights.
Phone: (208) 336-5353
Website: disabilityrightsidaho.org
County-Specific Information
Laws, resources, and regulations can vary significantly by county in Idaho. Select a county to view specific information:
Ada County
County Seat: Boise
Population: Approximately 525,000
Homelessness Coordination: Our Path Home (Boise City/Ada County Continuum of Care)
Local Ordinances
- Camping: The City of Boise has ordinances prohibiting camping on public property, but these are subject to the Martin v. Boise settlement which occurred in this county.
- Panhandling: Regulations prohibit aggressive panhandling and solicitation in roadways.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed, though permits may be required for large-scale distribution in parks.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Ada County:
Canyon County
County Seat: Caldwell
Population: Approximately 258,000
Largest City: Nampa
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Both Nampa and Caldwell have ordinances restricting camping on public property, though enforcement is constrained by the Martin v. Boise ruling.
- Panhandling: Restrictions on aggressive panhandling and solicitation in roadways.
- Property Storage: Limited regulations on storing personal property in public spaces.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Canyon County:
- CATCH Nampa: Housing assistance - (208) 495-5688
- Valley Women's & Children's Shelter: Emergency shelter - (208) 475-0725
- Hope's Door: Domestic violence shelter - (208) 459-6279
Kootenai County
County Seat: Coeur d'Alene
Population: Approximately 185,000
Region: North Idaho (Region 1)
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Ordinances in Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls restrict camping on public property, but enforcement may be limited by shelter availability.
- Panhandling: Various restrictions on solicitation, particularly in roadways and business districts.
- Park Use: Restrictions on overnight stays in parks and public spaces.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Kootenai County:
- St. Vincent de Paul: Shelter and assistance - (208) 664-3095
- Safe Passage: Domestic violence services - (208) 664-9303
- Dirne Health Centers: Healthcare for the homeless - (208) 292-0292
Bonneville County
County Seat: Idaho Falls
Population: Approximately 131,000
Region: Eastern Idaho (Region 6)
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Idaho Falls has ordinances restricting camping in public spaces, but enforcement is governed by shelter availability.
- Panhandling: Restrictions on aggressive solicitation, particularly near businesses and roadways.
- Property Storage: Regulations on storing personal belongings in public spaces.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Bonneville County:
- Idaho Falls Rescue Mission: Shelter and meals - (208) 552-5575
- Community Food Basket: Food assistance - (208) 523-7260
- Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership: Various assistance programs - (208) 522-5391
Twin Falls County
County Seat: Twin Falls
Population: Approximately 95,000
Region: South Central Idaho (Region 4)
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Twin Falls has ordinances restricting camping in public areas, with enforcement guided by shelter capacity.
- Panhandling: Restrictions on aggressive solicitation and roadway panhandling.
- Public Parks: Restrictions on overnight use of parks and public spaces.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Twin Falls County:
- Valley House Homeless Shelter: Emergency shelter - (208) 734-7736
- South Central Community Action Partnership: Various assistance programs - (208) 733-9351
- Voices Against Violence: Domestic violence services - (208) 733-0100
Success Stories from Idaho
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Idaho:
Michael's Journey
After losing his job and apartment, Michael lived in his car for several months in Boise during a harsh winter. Through the Our Path Home coordinated entry system, he connected with CATCH and received rapid rehousing assistance and case management support.
"The winter nights in my car were brutally cold. I never thought I'd find my way back, but the case managers at CATCH helped me develop a plan and stay focused on my goals. Now I'm housed, employed, and even volunteering to help others."
Resources that helped: Coordinated Entry, Rapid Rehousing, Employment Services
Sarah's Journey
Sarah and her two children fled domestic violence and found themselves with nowhere to go in Coeur d'Alene. Through Safe Passage and St. Vincent de Paul, they received emergency shelter, counseling, and eventually transitioned to stable housing with support services.
"When we left, we had nothing but the clothes on our backs. I was terrified about becoming homeless with my children. The shelter staff treated us with dignity and helped us rebuild our lives step by step. My kids are now thriving in school, and I'm working toward my nursing assistant certification."
Resources that helped: Domestic Violence Services, Emergency Shelter, Housing Assistance, Job Training
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Idaho have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Idaho to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Homeless Prevention Housing Counseling
Type: Homelessness Prevention
Eligibility: At risk of homelessness due to financial hardship
Benefits: Financial assistance for rent, security deposits, and utility payments
How to Apply: Through Idaho Housing and Finance Association - must meet with an IHFA housing counselor
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program
Type: Housing Assistance
Eligibility: Individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Benefits: Rapid rehousing, emergency shelter, street outreach, homelessness prevention
How to Apply: Through local Continuums of Care (CoCs) and their partner agencies
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Type: Housing Assistance
Eligibility: Low-income individuals and families, including special vouchers for non-elderly disabled people experiencing homelessness
Benefits: Rental assistance where participants pay approximately 30% of adjusted gross monthly income for rent
How to Apply: Through Idaho Housing and Finance Association branch offices or local housing authorities
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Idaho based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners