Idaho Resources
To find out about key benefits and services in Idaho and how to apply, select from the topics below.
Find Help Idaho
- Comprehensive resource database by United Way
Visit findhelpidaho.org and search by need or location.
Find a list of Idaho Seasonal Resources – food and clothing assistance, warming shelters, holiday gift assistance and events, and more.
Online database of resources supporting low-income residents in the Boise area
Hotlines
A free, statewide community information and referral service by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Dial 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588 to connect. You can also text 898-211.
For housing information, call 855-505-4700 ext. 8602 and leave a voicemail, or email questions to hirc@ihfa.org.
- Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline
Call or text 988. You can call for yourself, or someone you care Crisis support is available 24/7 every day of the year.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
- USDA National Hunger Hotline
English: 1-866-348-6479
Español: 1-877-842-6273
- Women’s & Children’s Alliance Hotline
Public Assistance
Medicaid offers healthcare coverage for individuals that addresses a variety of health needs, including coverage for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Food Assistance: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps families buy food for good health.
Cash Assistance: This program provides cash assistance for emergency situations, families with children, and the elderly, blind or disabled.
Childcare Assistance: This program helps parents and caretakers pay for a part of their childcare costs while working, going to school, or participating in approved training activities.
Get help applying:
Phone: 1-877-456-1233 (toll-free) or 1-800-377-3529 (TTY) or 1-800-377-1363 (Voice)
In person: Visit the website or call using the number above to find a local office.
Language interpretation is available at 1-877-456-1233.
ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia ingüística. Llame al 1-877-456-1233. (Spanish)
OBAVJEŠTENJE: Ako govorite srpsko-hrvatski, usluge jezičke pomoći dostupne su vam besplatno. Nazovite 1-877-456-1233. (Serbo-Croatian)
Úयान Ǒदनुहोस्: तपार्इंले नेपाली ब?ोãनुहुÛछ भने तपार्इंको िनǔàत भाषा सहायता सेवाहǾ िनःशुãक Ǿपमा उप?लÞध छ । फोन गन[?ु होस् 1-877-456-1233 (Nepali)
CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-877-456-1233 (Vietnamese)
(Arabic) اللغوية المساعدة خدمات فإن اللغة، اذكر تتحدث كنت إذا :ملحوظة 1233-456-877-1 برقم اتصل .بالمجان لك تتوافر
(Farsi)رایگان بصورت زبانی تسھیلات کنید، می گفتگو فارسی زبان بھ اگر :توجھ 1233-456-877-1 تماس بگیرید. شما برای.
ICITONDERWA: Nimba uvuga Ikirundi, uzohabwa serivisi zo gufasha mu ndimi, Woterefona 1-877-456-1233. (Ikirundi)
Community Assistance Agencies
Location: 124 New 6th St., Lewiston
Phone: 208-746-3351
Location: 550 Washington St. S., Twin Falls
Phone: 208-733-9351
Location: 317 Happy Day Blvd, Caldwell
Phone: 208-454-1652
Location:641 N 8th Ave., Pocatello
Phone: 208-232-1114
Location: 935 E Lincoln Rd., Idaho Falls
Phone: 208-522-5391
Location: 315 S Main St., Payette
Phone: 888-900-7361
Location: 701 E 44th St. #1, Garden City
Phone: 208-377-0700
Location: 4307 Skyway St., Caldwell
Phone: 208-459-0065
Contact Your City Government
- Find your city for help navigating resources.
Resources for Senior Citizens & Caregivers
Behavioral Health & Well-being
- A Body and Mind Health Services
Phone: 208-683-8320
- Ada County Victim Services Center
Phone: 208-577-4400
- Allegiance Behavioral Health
Phone: 208-392-1317
- Alphine Behavioral Health
Phone: 208-672-0260
- Children’s Home Society’s Warm Spring Counseling Centers
Phone: 208-343-7797 – Ext. 2
- Faces of Hope
Phone: 208-986-4357
- Free Minds
Phone: 208-246-9902
- Idaho Neighborhood Health Center
Phone: 208-606-0396
- InRoads Mental Health Services
Phone: 208-888-8887
- IRC Intensive Case Management
Phone: 208-344-1792
- Pathways of Idaho
Phone: 208-322-1026
- Saint Alphonsus Center for Global Health & Healing
Phone: 208-302-5200
- Saint Luke’s Clinic Psychiatric Wellness Services
Phone: 208-706-6375
- TANTA Inc.
Phone: 480-200-4564
- Terry Reilly Health Services
Phone: 208-466-7869
- Trivium Life Services
Phone: 208-376-7083
- Uzima Health Services
Phone: 208-867-9403
- Women’s and Children’s Alliance
Phone: 208-343-3688
Immigration
Dial 9-1-1 in an emergency for immediate help from the local police, fire, and emergency medical services.
- Boise Police Department Refugee Liaison Officer: Travis Buffi
Office phone: 208-570-6423
Mobile phone: 208-519-1942
- Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
Multiple languages available
- FBI Local Field Office
Phone: 208-334-7834
An independent state agency that investigates discrimination complaints. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, the first thing you should do is contact the Commission. Initial inquiries are treated confidentially.
Location: 317 W. Main St., Boise
Phone: 208-332-2873
Learn about the legal justice system in the U.S.
- Legal Clinics – Free or Low-cost
– Idaho Legal Aid Services, Inc.
Location: 1447 Tyrell Lane, Boise
Phone: 208-746-7541
– University of Idaho Legal Aid Clinics in Moscow and Boise
Moscow contact: 208-885-2255
Boise contact: 208-364-4560
- U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho: Joshua Hurwit
Contact: Joshua.hurwit@usdoj.gov or 208-334-1718
Contact: Jacqueline.sahlberg@usdoj.gov or 208-334-1152
Public School District
- Boys & Girls Clubs
Ada County: 8 locations; visit website or call 208-639-3170
- Idaho’s FREE Head Start or Early Head Start child development programs
Head Start provides high quality early childhood services that will help you and your children thrive.
Visit website or call 208-345-1182
Resettlement Partners/Contacts in the Boise Area
- Boise School District
Contact: Jolene Lincoln
- Boise State University
Gail Schuk, advisor of the Multilingual Student Association, gshuck@boisestate.edu
Boise location: 208-562-2571
Nampa location: 208-562-2024
Community locations (Caldwell & Meridian): 208-562-2024
- West Ada School District
Contact: Lisa Austin
Champions students from refugee backgrounds in Idaho and Utah by helping them obtain post-secondary education and skills to prepare for their professional life.
Idaho Office Location: 3085 N. Cole Rd., Suite #201, Boise
Contact: 208-841-1661
Provides cross-cultural trainings in the Treasure Valley and offers helpful resource guides for educators.
English Language Learning
Offers English classes for newly arrived refugees and immigrants. We use a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to ensure our students thrive in their new community.
Open Monday-Friday by appointment only
Location: 5383 W. Franklin Rd. Boise, ID 83705
Contact: elcinfo@jannus.org or call 208-949-0238
A literacy education center for adults and families with young children. Classes are based on students’ individual needs and offer reading, writing, math and English language learning curricula. Learning Lab also offers preparation for citizenship and GED exams.
Location: 308 E 36th St, Garden City, ID 83714
Contact: info@learninglabinc.org or call 208-344-1335
A free English classes are offered in Boise, Nampa, and various community locations.
Boise location: 208-562-2571
Nampa location: 208-562-2024
Community locations (Caldwell & Meridian): 208-562-2024
Whether your goals are academic, professional, or personal, Boise State University’s Intensive English Program provides many paths to your success.
Phone: 208-426-1921
A great translation app; get help from a real person interpreting on the other end.
Employment
Provides free career coaching to New American professionals.
Phone: 208-947-4250
Provides free financial education, business classes, and support services for entrepreneurs.
Phone: 208-336-5533
Connects job seekers with employment opportunities and supports workers through career and life transitions.
Phone: 208-332-3570
Main Location: 317 W. Main St., Boise, Idaho 83735
Replaces part of the income you lose when you become unemployed for qualifying reasons.
Phone: 208-332-8942
Ask for a navigator at your local Idaho Department of Labor office.
Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers
Phone: 888-227-7669
Information from U.S. Citizen & Immigration Services about obtaining your Employment Authorization Document
The U.S. Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division in Idaho and Oregon provides resources and training for workers, regardless of their immigration status or language spoken, to help workers understand their rights and to let them know who can help them if their rights are being violated by their employer.
Guidance and resources for immigrant workers
Food Assistance
- Idaho Foodbank
Phone: 208-336-9643
A federal program that provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults who are enrolled for care at participating childcare centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers.
Contact: Kim Sherman, Coordinator in Idaho
Phone: 208-332-6935
- St. Vincent de Paul
Can help with utilities, rent, household goods, transportation & clothing. Call our help line to get started:
Phone (Ada County and Mountain Home): 208-331-2208
Phone (Caldwell Area): 208-919-2940
Phone (Nampa Area): 208-466-3400
Visit the website, text “Summer Meals” to 914-342-7744, or call 1-866-348-6479 to find a site near you.
A federally funded nutrition program that provides food, education, and support for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to their 5th birthday.
Caldwell and Nampa: 208-455-5300
Boise and Meridian: 208-327-7400 (Central District Health main office)
Garden City: 208-327-7478
Twin Falls: 208-737-5923
Interpretation services: 1-800-926-2588
TTY for the deaf or hard of hearing: 1-208-332-7205
Health Care
- C-WHO Behavioral Health Clinic
Offers same-day preventive mental wellness consultations.
Call 208-812-4999
Full-service medical, behavioral health, and outreach services for families, infants, children, adolescents, teenagers, adults and seniors.
Ada County Clinics: 208-514-2500
Canyon County Clinics: 208-514-2529
Refugee Liaison – Hannah Habineza
Provide high-quality healthcare through community volunteers and financial supporters. We serve without regard to age, race, sex, nationality, religious affiliation, disability, or other circumstances.
Canyon County clinic:
Location: 524 Cleveland Blvd., Ste 110 Caldwell, ID 83605
Phone: 208-455-1143
Garden City Clinic:
Location: 215 West 35th Street Garden City, ID 83714
Phone: 208-384-5200
Same-day medical service with a multilingual care team.
Location: 824 S Diamond St., Nampa, ID 83686
Contact: 208-606-0396
Medical and mental health care for Idaho adults who are uninsured or under-insured.
Location: 704 S. Latah Street, Boise, Idaho 83705
Contact: 208-429-6678 and friendshipclinic2003@gmail.com
Created to meet the needs of families and individuals who have initially resettled within the community through the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement program. Services:
- Saint Alphonsus Center for Global Health & Healing
Created to meet the needs of families and individuals who have initially resettled within the community through the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement program. Services:
Location: 6533 W. Emerald St., Boise
Phone: 208-367-2126.
Location: 6533 W. Emerald St., Boise
Phone: 208-302-5200
– Program for Survivors of Torture
Offers trauma-sensitive and culturally responsive medical and mental services, case management, and more.
Lead Service Coordinator: David Mfitundinda, 208-302-5202
Health Advisors are multicultural, multilingual individuals trained to assist families resettling in the U.S. to navigate the healthcare system. The program serves patients of all ages who are referred by their primary care provider.
Contacts: Traci Harrod 208-914-5252, or Sarah Mohr 208-302-5233
- Terry Reilly Health Services
Terry Reilly are medical, dental, and behavioral health professionals work together to ensure no person or health issue goes unnoticed so we can all benefit from a healthy, thriving community.
Contact for Appointments: 208-466-7869
Patient Navigators: 208-318-1326 or email patientnav@trhs.org.
Idaho’s health insurance marketplace
- If you are sponsoring a refugee who receives Office of Refugee Resettlement benefits, please check with one of the following healthcare providers:
Boise: Full Circle Health or Genesis Clinic
Nampa: Idaho Health Neighborhood Center Twin Falls: South Central District Health Department
For more information, here are Idaho Department of Health & Welfare contacts:
Collin Elias, Refugee Health Program Manager
Alicia Fong, Health Education Specialist for the Refugee Health Program, Division of Public Health
Phone: 208-751-9934
Housing
- Boise Rescue Mission Ministries
Provides homeless services to men, women, and children from six locations in Ada and Canyon counties.
Contact: 208-343-2389 or info@boiserm.org
- CATCH
Works to prevent and end homelessness in the Treasure Valley
Housing Crisis Hotlines:
– Ada County: 208-336-4663
– Canyon County: 208-495-5688
Locations:
– Ada County Office: 503 S. Americana Blvd. Boise
– Region III Office (open by appointment only): 1007 S. Elder St. Nampa
- Corpus Christi House
Boise’s only year-round day shelter
Location: 525 S. Americana Blvd., Boise
Phone: 208-426-0039
Through the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare
HouseYourNeighbor.org is an effort of Neighbors United taking action to address the housing crisis that many of our new refugee arrivals are facing in the Treasure Valley. Our mission is to develop long-term housing opportunities that support our community members from refugee backgrounds and those in need of low-cost housing in the Treasure Valley.
- Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence
Offers short-term housing and transitional housing funds to survivors fleeing a situation of domestic violence or sexual assault.
Phone: 855-505-4700 – Ext. 8602.
Leave a voicemail, email questions to hirc@ihfa.org, or visit website.
Offers emergency housing and wraparound services
Shelter Address: 1620 W. River St, Boise, ID 83702
Administrative office: 208-345-5815
Shelter calls please dial 208-343-2630 after 6:00 p.m.
See more
Focused on eviction and homelessness prevention in the Treasure Valley
Call or text the Tenant Resource Center at 208-383-9486 and the team will help you talk through your situation.
You can also stop by the office at 1121 W Miller Street in Boise.
- LEAP Housing
Boise-based nonprofit with a focus on affordable housing solutions; programs include Welcome Housing, Yes You Can, LEAP ROC, and Resident Services
Phone: 208-391-2823
- NeighborWorks Boise
Offers homebuyer education, down payment assistance, and homeowner programs.
HomeShare Hub: Connects home providers with home seekers
Contact 208-295-1694
General Information: 208-343-4065 or info@nwboise.org
- St. Vincent de Paul
Can help with utilities, rent, household goods, transportation, and clothing
Call the help line to get started:
Ada County and Mountain Home: 208-331-2208
Caldwell Area: 208-919-2940
Nampa Area: 208-466-3400
Provides a comprehensive and secure emergency and transitional shelter program for women and children who are fleeing domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
24-hour Domestic Abuse Hotline: 208-343-7025
Office location: 720 W. Washington St., Boise
Office phone: 208-343-3688
Immigration
- Agency for New Americans
Boise refugee resettlement agency
Immigration Line: 208-338-0033
- International Rescue Committee
Boise refugee resettlement agency
IRC Boise operates an immigration line Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Immigration walk-in appointments are available Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the IRC office, 7291 W Franklin Road, Boise.
Immigration Line: 208-559-6825
Note: Local refugee resettlement immigration teams may not have capacity to help with immigration cases beyond their refugee clients. Other resources include:
Contact: 208-345-6031
Boise Location: 7201 W. Franklin Rd., Boise, ID 83709
Pocatello Location: 214 E Center Street, Suite 20, Pocatello, ID 83201. By appointment only.
Administrative Office:
Location: 317 Happy Day Blvd, Ste 250, Caldwell, ID 83607
Contact: 208-454-1652
- Familias Unidas Immigration Legal Services
Location: 317 Happy Day Blvd. Suite 170, Caldwell, ID 83607
Contact: 208-453-3108
- Community Family Clinic Office
Location: 2100 Alan St., Idaho Falls, ID 83404
Contact: 208-528-7655
Location: 701 Morrison Knudsen Plaza Dr, Boise, ID 83712
Contact: 208-343-6228
Location: 315 Stampede Drive, Nampa (second floor, appointment only)
Contact: 208-442-0823 or send an email
A program of the State of Idaho working toward educational, economic, and social equality for Hispanics in Idaho.
Location: 2399 S. Orchard Street, Suite 204, Boise
Contact: 208-334-3776
Call or text 208-709-0131
For Latinx, Immigrant, and Indigenous communities to be treated with dignity, honor their human rights, help create equal access and seek social justice in the midst of a global crisis.
Location: 910 Main Street, Suite 234, Boise
Contact: 208-991-4451
Location: Offices across Idaho
Apply for help by calling 208-746-7541
- La Posada, Inc
Location: 355 4th Ave W, PO Box 1962, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Contact: 208-734-8700 or send an email
Location: 5680 East Franklin Road, STE 230, Nampa, ID 83687
Contact: 208-504-6079 or send an email
Organizes and empowers the Latinx and immigrant communities in Idaho for social, racial, gender, and economic justice.
Contact: 208-992-7481 or send an email
A legal collective partnered with a community cooperative that operate in support of each other.
Moscow contact: 208-885-2255
Boise contact: 208-364-4560
Other Immigrant Resources
Interpreters & Translators
Note: U.S. law requires government agencies or organizations that receive federal funds to provide interpretation services to people seeking services.
Visit LEP.gov for resources and information to help expand and improve language assistance services for individuals with limited English proficiency, in compliance with federal law.
Boise Interpreters is a product of a community-based effort to increase access to language interpreter and translator services for providers serving limited English-speaking individuals within the community. Create a login to search through a database of local interpreters.
- Boise Police Department
Maintains a list of interpreters they have trained to work with law enforcement.
Contact: Travis Buffi, Refugee Liaison Officer
Location: 3540 E Longwing Ln, Suite 215, Meridian, ID 83642
Phone: 208-906-2996
Idaho’s Professional Language Services. Access to a deep pool of Interpreters who speak a wide variety of languages.
Location: 6303 W. Interchange Lane, Boise
Phone: 208-274-4544
Trusted and used worldwide; on-demand interpretation available 24/7 in 240+ languages
Phone: 800-752-6096
Idaho-based interpreting and translation company, used by some health care providers. Offers interpreter trainings.
Phone: 208-365-2622
Technology for real-time speech and text translation
Audio and video interpreting company used in some Idaho schools
Phone: 913-381-3143
Connect virtually for live interpretation services
Refugee Resettlement
A program of the Idaho Office for Refugees to connect Afghan communities in Idaho and share and celebrate cultural traditions.
Location: 3380 W. Elder St., Boise
Contact: nmousa@jannus.org
Refugee resettlement agency in Boise
Location: 1607 W. Jefferson St., Boise
Contact: 208-338-0033
Refugee resettlement agency in Twin Falls
Location: 1526 Highland Ave. E., Twin Falls
Contact: 208-736-2166
Nonprofit that administers the refugee resettlement program in Idaho. Services for New Americans include career guidance, public speaking training, resources for farmers, and trainings for resettlement workers.
Location: 1607 W. Jefferson St., Boise
Contact: 208-342-2254 and iorinfo@idahorefugees.org
Refugee resettlement agency in Boise
Location: 7291 W Franklin Road, Boise
Contact: 208-344-1792
Baby showers for new refugee moms, clothing and furniture donations, English classes, women’s classes, volunteer orientation
Location: 4444 W. Taft St. Boise
Contact: lauraa@glocalboise.org
Resettlement agency in Nampa serving Ukrainians since 2022. Connections to local Slavic community and churches. Russian/Ukrainian language skills.
Location: 3904 E Flamingo Ave, Nampa
Contact: 208-861-9980 and info@ukrainianwelcomecenter.org
The Welcome Corps is a national initiative making it possible for Americans to sponsor refugees from all around the world.
Public Transportation
– Valley Regional Transit (VRT)
– Fixed Route and OnDemand bus services in Ada and Canyon counties
Available to low-income workers who get off work after the bus stops running.
$2 – $6 per ride to the bus stop within 2 miles of the pick-up are
Available to people who are unable to utilize the fixed-route or on-demand bus systems because of a disability. Apply by calling 877-232-7433 or by visiting the website.
Looking for an easier way to plan and pay for your bus ride? Check out the Umo Mobility app and City Go Card.
Looking for transportation benefits for your company? Learn more about our custom employer plans.
Share or Schedule a Ride
A VRT job-access service for low-income and former refugee residents in Ada County. Shuttles run seven days a week and are provided through employer or agency contracts. If you or your employer/agency are interested in starting a Village Van route please contact navigation@valleyregionaltransit.org or call our VRT helpline at 208-345-7433.
A VRT service for anyone unable to reach regular bus services (need-based); $5 per trip (12-mile segment and $0.50 per additional mile).
Operates in Ada and Canyon Counties
Call the Help Desk at 208-345-7433 to schedule a ride two days in advance.
Explore cost-saving commuter options in your area through ACHD Commuteride.
Share the ride to work to save money.
Commuteride works with businesses of all types and sizes to support mobility programs.
Shuttle service for BSU affiliates
Bikes & Scooters
Lime Access provides a 70% discount on all rides to eligible residents. Lime Access members in Boise will receive a discounted rate of $0.50 to unlock plus $0.07 per minute for the rental of Lime e-bikes and e-scooters.
Sliding Scale Fee for Kids’ Bikes -$10-475 for kids ages 4-11
Teen Urgent Need Bicycles: Free
DIY Bicycle Repair in Shop
Mobile Fix-It: Free bicycle repair for young people
Teen Earn-A-Bike: Teens learn how to repair a bicycle and get to take a bike home at the end of class.
Medical & Senior Transport Services
- Eagle Senior Transportation Service – VRT
- Meridian Medical Transporation -VRT
- Rides2Wellness in Ada County and Canyon County – VRT
You may qualify if you are not eligible for Medicaid transportation, and you do not have transportation to your medical appointment.
Educational Services
Free service for students.
Contact: Lisa Brady, Safe Routes to School Manager
Call 208-761-8507 or send an email
Travel Training
- Free educational service for agencies, schools, businesses and individuals.
Contacts:
Neva Resendez, Mobility Navigator
Phone: 208-258-2721
Hailee Lenhart-Wees, Programs Manager
Phone: 208.608.6039
More Community Resources
A collaborative of individuals, community leaders, organizations and companies who strengthen refugee resettlement resources in the Treasure Valley
An independent state agency that investigates discrimination complaints. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, the first thing you should do is contact the Commission. Initial inquiries are treated confidentially.
Location: 317 W. Main St., Boise
Phone: 208-332-2873
Sign up for our newsletter
Listen to this Sponsor Circle workshop
Attend an event:
Quarterly Community Coordination Meeting
World Refugee Day – big celebration every year in June
Idaho Office for Refugees Conference on Resettlement – Fall 2024, College of Idaho
Follow our Community Calendar
Listen to our podcast, MOSAICS
Learn about the history of resettlement in Idaho
- Shopping
Halal Grocery Stores in Boise:
Kabul Market
Babylon Market LLC
Food Land Market
Al Ahmed Market
Ishtar Market & Restaurant
International Grocery Market
- Faith
Boise-area mosques:
Islamic Center of Boise
Imam Al Mahdi Islamic Center
Islamic Community of Bosniaks in Boise
Imam Hussain Islamic Center
- Multilingual church services
Discovery Church – Swahili service
Wat Idaho Buddhist Temple – Nampa
Calvary Chapel – French, Swahili, and Arabic services
Christian Fraternity Swahili Church at Collister United Methodist, Boise