Boise City / Ada County Housing Authorities are again delighted to partner with the Southminster Presbyterian Church in our 2021 Backpack Giveaway program. This program has won national awards through NAHRO (The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials) and has been recognized in national housing journals.

The annual Backpack Giveaway program was created to address the problem of school supply affordability for low-income families. All school supplies are purchased brand new through a network of local businesses. These supplies are packed in colorful and age-appropriate backpacks with supplies based on each grade level. Children in grades kindergarten through the 6th grade are eligible for these backpacks. This program enables 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 photographing the reaction of children as they come in to our office to claim their backpacks. However, as we are mindful of the health concerns, this year our distribution process is more parent-oriented. Thank you to Jaé, Trudy and Frances, our Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinators, who agreed to pose in front of many of the donated backpacks, and reminisce about their school days!

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 Street
Boise, ID 83705