Boise nonprofit creates new program to help residents with security deposits

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Nonprofit Jesse Tree has been around for decades, helping Idahoans with rental assistance and eviction prevention.

Now, it's adding a new program to help with security deposits, for people struggling to find a place in the shrinking rental market.

The Treasure Valley was facing a housing crisis even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. And now, the crisis is continuing as many people are being priced out of their homes and apartments.

Affordable rentals are hard to come by. According to a reporter from United Way, there are only 44 affordable housing units for every 100 households.

"In the past we've mostly provided supportive services and rental assistance to catch people up on the rent that they owe," said Jesse Tree Executive Director Ali Rabe. "But we've been seeing a trend in which more and more people are being displaced and they need to see a new place to live. We want to keep them housed and not see them enter our shelter system."

Rabe hopes the new security deposit assistance program will make a difference.

Just last week, Jesse Tree received a $30,000 grant to start the program from the Idaho Women's Charitable Foundation.

The funding will go toward helping people pay their deposits, which can be up to 2 months of rent.

To apply for rental assistance, you can click here.

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