BOISE, Idaho — Thursday is Leap Day. A local non-profit, LEAP Housing, is using the day to help increase the number of affordable housing units in our community.
LEAP Housing preserves, acquires, and builds affordable housing. But, just like every organization trying to fix the housing crisis, they're in a losing battle right now.
As discussed repeatedly on Growing Idaho, the average family making 80 percent of the area median income used to be able to afford the average home in this area, but not anymore. A recent report says there's a deficit of 25,000 affordable units in Idaho.
Zeb Moers, LEAP Housing Director of Development, said everyone needs to work together to fix this, because this is actually a relatively new phenomenon that's getting out of hand, “It's really new, as in the last decade. Maybe some people have thought that like, 'Oh, it's always been around. Housing people's always been difficult.' But no, this is new, and we need to get out in front of it, before it goes a into a tougher hole that we can't necessarily climb out of."
Governor Brad Little will be making a proclamation for LEAP Housing Day, along with some mayors throughout the Treasure Valley. Banners and other marketing materials will be hung up around Boise.
People can donate on the Leap Housing website here, and they may even be entered to win some cool prizes.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.