Nonprofit Jesse Tree creates security deposit assistance program with grant funding

Homelessness prevention nonprofit Jesse Tree has launched a Security Deposit Assistance Program with a $30,000 grant from the Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation to help assist those losing their rental housing, according to a press release from Jesse Tree.

The program applies to anyone in the Treasure Valley living in a form of rental housing, including hotels or motels, and those who live with friends or family members. The grant will help create and provide housing navigation services and security deposit assistance to low-income tenants, according to the release. Jesse Tree staff will help tenants identify housing and pay security deposits, as well as application and cleaning fees, if necessary.

“The goal of the Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation is to foster educated philanthropy through collaboration and pooled resources to positively impact our community,” Board President Christine Avey said in the release. “Our members selected Jesse Tree’s Security Deposit Assistance Program as a grantee this year because of the imminent need in our community that this project addresses and the strong work Jesse Tree does to prevent homelessness.”

Jesse Tree has fielded many calls in recent months amid the Treasure Valley’s housing crisis and dwindling affordable rentals. To contact the organization for help, call or text (208) 383-9486 with your name, phone number, and the city you live in, submit this questionnaire, or go to the Jesse Tree office at 1121 W. Miller St. in Boise.