Since posting this last fall, this award was mentioned in the “Journal of Housing & Community Development,” the NAHRO bi-monthly journal. You can read this article at this link: Backpack Giveaway In Boise City / Ada County

Boise City / Ada County Housing Authorities are proud to be a recipient of a 2020 Award of Merit from NAHRO (The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials) in recognition of our annual backpack give-away. The Annual Backpack Giveaway was created to address the problem of school supply affordability for low-income families. Boise City/Ada County Housing Authorities partnered with the Southminster Presbyterian Church to provide backpacks and basic school supplies for children of low-income families. All school supplies are donated brand new through a network of local businesses. School supplies are given based on each grade level. Children in grades kindergarten through the 6th grade are eligible for these backpacks. This solution allows families to use their limited resources on other things, such as clothing and any fees for school registration. These gifts are even more appreciated this year while many families are struggling with additional stressors caused by a global pandemic and all the areas of life that are impacted by this.

Generally, we enjoy catching by photos the reaction of children as they come in to our office to claim their backpacks. But as we are mindful of the health concerns, this year our distribution process does not allow for the fun pictures we usually so enjoy. Thank you to Sonja and Frances, two of our Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinators, who agreed to smile beneath their masks in front of many of the donated backpacks.

Thank you, NAHRO, for the recognition and thank you, Southmister, for your continued giving and support of our families.

Deanna L. Watson
Executive Director
Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority
1001 S. Orchard St.
Boise, ID 83705