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BCHA Board calls on leaders and Community Members to address the Uprecedented Increase in Housing Costs
During a special meeting, held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, the Board of the Blaine County Housing Authority adopted Resolution 2021-01 to raise awareness of the current unprecedented cost of housing in Blaine County. This resolution serves as the Board's statement that the current housing crisis is unsustainable for the long-term health of our community. The Board calls upon landlords to deal with their renters in a just and fair manner, to activate the issue of local attainable housing as a primary concern for all Blaine County residents, and to urge state and local leaders and policy makers to make local, attainable, workforce housing a legislative and executive priority.
Since 2013, housing prices for both rental and ownership have risen more than 40%. During that same period the Area Median Income of Blaine County has fallen by approximately 16%. The detrimental impact of these concurrent trends have forced many from their homes and has negatively impacted the community fabric in Blaine County. Blaine County Housing Authority believes that a vibrant and healthy community can only be achieved when that community is open to all.
We call on every resident and leader to move the issue of housing from conversation into action.
The mission of Blaine County Housing Authority is to advocate, promote, plan and preserve the long-term supply of desirable and affordable housing choices in all areas of Blaine County in order to maintain an economically diverse, vibrant, and sustainable community.
Resolution 2021-02 (Text)
Since 2013, housing prices for both rental and ownership have risen more than 40%. During that same period the Area Median Income of Blaine County has fallen by approximately 16%. The detrimental impact of these concurrent trends have forced many from their homes and has negatively impacted the community fabric in Blaine County. Blaine County Housing Authority believes that a vibrant and healthy community can only be achieved when that community is open to all.
We call on every resident and leader to move the issue of housing from conversation into action.
The mission of Blaine County Housing Authority is to advocate, promote, plan and preserve the long-term supply of desirable and affordable housing choices in all areas of Blaine County in order to maintain an economically diverse, vibrant, and sustainable community.
Resolution 2021-02 (Text)
Online Applications are now available!
BCHA is pleased to announce that applications for Housing, the Lift Tower Lodge, and Housing Gap Grants are now available online. While the online applications are in the Beta (testing) phase, they are generally identical in the information required in the current paper applications. On August 1, 2021, BCHA will begin phasing out its paper applications, we encourage all applicants to use the new online application for Community Housing, the Lift Tower Lodge, and Housing Gap Grants. However, you may still download and fill out the paper application to and return it to us.
Online applications are secure and immediately added to the BCHA database. For more information and to apply online, click here.
Online applications are secure and immediately added to the BCHA database. For more information and to apply online, click here.
2021 Program Information & Limits (updated April 21, 2021)
On April 1, 2021, HUD published the new Area Median Income (AMI) for Blaine County. During the April 21, 2021, quarterly meeting, the BCHA Board of Commissioners adopted the new AMI thresholds for its programs. The Updated AMI, Income & Assets Limits, and Maximum Monthly Housing Costs can be found on the main menu, above, or by clicking the links below:
2021 HUD MAXIMUM MONTHLY HOUSING COSTS
2021 BCHA INCOME AND ASSET LIMITS
To view the 8-year trend of State and Local AMI and Housing Costs Comparison, click here.
2021 HUD MAXIMUM MONTHLY HOUSING COSTS
2021 BCHA INCOME AND ASSET LIMITS
To view the 8-year trend of State and Local AMI and Housing Costs Comparison, click here.
Notice of Special Meeting (June 16, 2021)
A quorum of the Board of Commissioners of the Blaine County Housing Authority will be meeting via teleconference at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. This Special Meeting is open to the public per the instructions below.
The meeting will be held via Zoom, (see instructions, below):
To join from the web:
Web address: www.zoom.us/join
Meeting ID: 837 9109 6983
Password: 83333
To join by telephone:
Phone Number: (669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 837 9109 6983
Password: 83333
Please click here for the Meeting Notice and Agenda.
The meeting will be held via Zoom, (see instructions, below):
To join from the web:
Web address: www.zoom.us/join
Meeting ID: 837 9109 6983
Password: 83333
To join by telephone:
Phone Number: (669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 837 9109 6983
Password: 83333
Please click here for the Meeting Notice and Agenda.
COVID 19 Rental Assistance Available through IHFA
Idaho Housing Finance Association (IHFA) has funding available to assist with rental payments for households impacted by COVID-19
If you, or a renter you know, has experienced financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic and cannot pay rent or utilities, short-term assistance may be available through the Housing Preservation Program, if the following apply:
• Unable to pay rent/utilities because of COVID-19 related circumstances
• Idaho resident
• Legally reside in the United States
• Income is 80% or less of Area Median Income (refer to chart at website below)
• Owe past-due rent/utilities or unable to pay upcoming rent/utilities
• Not receiving federal housing subsidy
Please visit https://www.idahohousing.com/covid-19/ for more information.
If you, or a renter you know, has experienced financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic and cannot pay rent or utilities, short-term assistance may be available through the Housing Preservation Program, if the following apply:
• Unable to pay rent/utilities because of COVID-19 related circumstances
• Idaho resident
• Legally reside in the United States
• Income is 80% or less of Area Median Income (refer to chart at website below)
• Owe past-due rent/utilities or unable to pay upcoming rent/utilities
• Not receiving federal housing subsidy
Please visit https://www.idahohousing.com/covid-19/ for more information.
BCHA Actions in Response to the Current Coronavirus Pandemic
Isolation Orders Lifted for Blaine County, State of Idaho Order Remains in Effect.
The Governor of Idaho has issued extension (until April 30, 2020) of an earlier "Isolation Order" for the entire state. (story here).
The Blaine County Housing Authority will continue to take proactive measures in response to the current pandemic.
UPDATE 04/17/2020: The jurisdictions of Blaine County are allowing emergency ordinances, which increased the number of restricted activities for residents and visitors of Blaine County, to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2020.
However, all activities and interactions should still be in accordance with the State-Issued Order, which remains in effect until the end of April 2020. Please read the Guidance for Governor Brad Little's Amended Statewide Stay-Home Order (link here) to become familiar with the parameters of the order amended on April 15, 2020.
BCHA Offices
Blaine County Housing Authority’s offices will remain closed to the public indefinitely and staff will not schedule any in-person appointments nor meet with walk-in traffic during this time.
As things continue to develop locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally, BCHA will respond with appropriate measures at that time and we will keep you informed on this page if additional preventative actions are forthcoming. We thank you for your understanding during this time and encourage everyone to stay safe and be proactive.
Links and Resources Related to Coronavirus
The links below offer some information on what is known about the coronavirus and are updated with new information.
South Central Public Health District is now running two hotlines for information about COVID-19, for English, dial 208-737-1138, and for Spanish, dial, 208-737-5965.
How to Protect Yourself and Prepare for Coronavirus (NY Times)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC website)
For resources related to assistance, please click on the Community Resources Tab at the top of the page.
Isolation Orders Lifted for Blaine County, State of Idaho Order Remains in Effect.
The Governor of Idaho has issued extension (until April 30, 2020) of an earlier "Isolation Order" for the entire state. (story here).
The Blaine County Housing Authority will continue to take proactive measures in response to the current pandemic.
UPDATE 04/17/2020: The jurisdictions of Blaine County are allowing emergency ordinances, which increased the number of restricted activities for residents and visitors of Blaine County, to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2020.
However, all activities and interactions should still be in accordance with the State-Issued Order, which remains in effect until the end of April 2020. Please read the Guidance for Governor Brad Little's Amended Statewide Stay-Home Order (link here) to become familiar with the parameters of the order amended on April 15, 2020.
BCHA Offices
Blaine County Housing Authority’s offices will remain closed to the public indefinitely and staff will not schedule any in-person appointments nor meet with walk-in traffic during this time.
- Staff will be working from home and will not be in the offices.
- All appointments for housing, additions to the database, etc. will be conducted either by telephone, email, or video conferencing.
- You may contact us via email (preferred): info@bcoha.org or by telephone: 208-788-6102 (if you leave a voicemail, be sure to include your contact information, including email) and staff will be happy to answer your questions and provide information on local housing options in Blaine County.
- For those paying rent, please email the BCHA office to arrange for rent payment.
- If you are currently a BCHA or Lift Tower Lodge tenant and are impacted by layoff or loss of income due to the coronavirus pandemic, please email the BCHA office to let us know of your current circumstances and to go over your options.
- UPDATE If you have need of housing payment assistance, the Blaine County Housing Foundation may have resources to assist. Please email the office info@bcoha.org to go over what resources may be available to you.
As things continue to develop locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally, BCHA will respond with appropriate measures at that time and we will keep you informed on this page if additional preventative actions are forthcoming. We thank you for your understanding during this time and encourage everyone to stay safe and be proactive.
Links and Resources Related to Coronavirus
The links below offer some information on what is known about the coronavirus and are updated with new information.
South Central Public Health District is now running two hotlines for information about COVID-19, for English, dial 208-737-1138, and for Spanish, dial, 208-737-5965.
How to Protect Yourself and Prepare for Coronavirus (NY Times)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC website)
For resources related to assistance, please click on the Community Resources Tab at the top of the page.
Equal Opportunity in Housing and Housing-Related Services
During its April 17, 2019 board meeting, the Blaine County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners passed Resolution 2019-03, affirming the policy of Blaine County Housing Authority to offer its services and housing opportunities to all qualified citizens of Blaine County regardless of a participant or applicant's race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.
The text of Resolution 2019-03 can be found here.
During its April 17, 2019 board meeting, the Blaine County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners passed Resolution 2019-03, affirming the policy of Blaine County Housing Authority to offer its services and housing opportunities to all qualified citizens of Blaine County regardless of a participant or applicant's race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.
The text of Resolution 2019-03 can be found here.
Program Information & Limits
Blaine County Housing Authority publishes its maximum housing cost and income categories each April after HUD publishes its Area Median Income (AMI) for Blaine County. For the most recent numbers, please click the links below.
2020 HUD Maximum Monthly Housing Costs
2020 BCHA Income and Asset Limits
BCHA Inquiry Form
Ownership Opportunities (Click here)
Rental Opportunities (Click here)
Lift Tower Lodge (Click here)
Blaine County Housing Authority publishes its maximum housing cost and income categories each April after HUD publishes its Area Median Income (AMI) for Blaine County. For the most recent numbers, please click the links below.
2020 HUD Maximum Monthly Housing Costs
2020 BCHA Income and Asset Limits
BCHA Inquiry Form
Ownership Opportunities (Click here)
Rental Opportunities (Click here)
Lift Tower Lodge (Click here)
BCHA has moved!
On October 1, 2018, Blaine County Housing Authority moved its offices to the Ketchum Works Building at
191 Sun Valley Road, Ketchum, Idaho (on the corner of Sun Valley Road and Washington Avenue in Ketchum).
Our office hours will remain Monday through Friday, by appointment.
Our phone number will remain (208) 788-6102.
On October 1, 2018, Blaine County Housing Authority moved its offices to the Ketchum Works Building at
191 Sun Valley Road, Ketchum, Idaho (on the corner of Sun Valley Road and Washington Avenue in Ketchum).
Our office hours will remain Monday through Friday, by appointment.
Our phone number will remain (208) 788-6102.
Housing
Click the Menu Icon above for rental and purchase options. Current applicants on BCHA's waiting list are given priority when housing comes available.
Applying for HoUSING
Download an application here to be added to the waiting list Or call our office at 208-788-6102 and schedule an appointment to speak with a housing counselor and pick up an application.
Our Mission: The Blaine County Housing Authority's mission is to advocate, promote, plan and preserve the long-term supply of desirable and affordable housing choices in all areas of Blaine County in order to maintain an economically diverse, vibrant, and sustainable community.