The Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) is Idaho’s primary resource for affordable housing, homeownership, and rental assistance. Founded in 1972, IHFA provides programs for first-time homebuyers, low-income renters, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Its services include home loans, down payment assistance, housing counseling, rental vouchers, and community devel
Understanding Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Founded in 1972, the Idaho Housing and Finance Association operates as a self-supporting, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Boise, with four branch offices in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, and Twin Falls. It does not use state-appropriated funds for its operations, instead generating revenue through fees for services.
IHFA serves as Idaho’s lead association for housing policy development and coordination among housing, community, and economic development professionals. Its work is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners. The organization is consistently recognized as a “Best Place to Work,” emphasizing employee growth and a mission-driven culture.
Pathways to Homeownership in Idaho
For many Idahoans, IHFA is the key that unlocks the door to owning a home. The association provides crucial support for prospective and current homeowners.
Home Loans and Down Payment Assistance
IHFA offers competitive home loan programs designed for first-time and repeat homebuyers. A central part of their mission is to provide funding for affordable housing opportunities “where they are most needed and when it is economically feasible”. Their resources help individuals and families move forward with confidence, even in fluctuating interest rate environments.
Homeowner Education and Support
Purchasing a home involves complex decisions. IHFA’s Finally Home! homebuyer education course prepares buyers for each step, covering loan types, closing costs, budgeting, and home maintenance. For existing homeowners, IHFA offers ongoing support through a Homeowner’s Toolkit and free housing counseling with HUD-approved counselors.
Mortgage Servicing and Refinancing
Homeowners with an IHFA mortgage can manage their accounts through the secure HomeLoanServ customer portal to view details, check balances, and make payments. IHFA also offers mortgage refinancing with competitive fixed rates, and their loan experts can help determine if refinancing is the right financial choice.
Rental Assistance and Affordable Housing Programs
IHFA administers vital programs that help low-income Idahoans secure and maintain stable rental housing.
Housing Choice Voucher Program
IHFA administers Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) for 34 of Idaho’s 44 counties. This federal program helps qualified low-income renters afford safe, stable housing by reducing housing expenses.
- How it Works: Participants typically contribute about 30% of their income toward rent and utilities, and the HCV program pays the difference directly to the landlord.
- Eligibility: Applicants must meet HUD income guidelines and reside in, or move to, an IHFA-served county. Waiting lists exist due to high demand, with wait times varying from several months to over two years.
Additional Renter Resources
IHFA provides a comprehensive rental listing and locator service, a free online tool to find housing that meets specific criteria, including many properties with reduced rents. Renters also have access to financial management tools, budgeting help, and counseling to navigate housing challenges.
For families in the HCV program, the voluntary Family Self-Sufficiency Program helps them set and achieve goals related to employment, education, and money management to work toward economic independence.
Support for Idahoans Experiencing Homelessness
IHFA plays a critical role in Idaho’s coordinated response to homelessness, administering most of the state’s federal homelessness assistance funds.
Immediate Crisis Resources
For individuals or families who are homeless or fleeing domestic violence, IHFA directs them to a network of regional Access Points—local agencies staffed by housing professionals who can connect people with immediate resources, support programs, and shelter options.
IHFA’s website provides detailed, region-by-region directories of:
- Emergency and domestic violence shelters
- Access Points and warming centers
- Meal services and food banks
- Services like laundry and shower facilities
Here is a summary of the regional structure:
Homelessness Prevention and Long-Term Solutions
IHFA manages the Idaho Continuum of Care (CoC) Program, known as the House Idaho Collaborative (HIC), which is dedicated to ending homelessness. This program funds projects across the state focused on:
- Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH): Long-term housing with services for people with disabilities experiencing chronic homelessness.
- Rapid Re-Housing (RRH): Short-term assistance to help people quickly exit homelessness.
- Other supportive services and emergency solutions.
IHFA also offers Homeless Prevention Housing Counseling. Eligible households can meet with a counselor and may receive financial assistance for rent, security deposits, or utility shut-off prevention.
Building Stronger Communities: Grants, Conferences, and Partnerships
IHFA’s impact extends beyond direct client services into broader community and economic development.
- Provider Grants: As the recipient of most HUD homelessness funds for Idaho, IHFA awards grants to local service providers for emergency shelters, transitional housing, and other crisis response services.
- Annual Conference: IHFA hosts the biennial Conference on Housing and Economic Development, a major professional event. The next conference is scheduled for March 16-17, 2026, at the Boise Centre, featuring workshops, keynotes, and networking for over 625 housing professionals and community leaders.
- Community Campaigns: Initiatives like the Avenues for Hope campaign, which has raised over $6 million for housing nonprofits, showcase IHFA’s role in mobilizing statewide community support.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Housing in Idaho
IHFA continues to adapt and seek innovative solutions to Idaho’s evolving housing needs. By focusing on sustainable programs, strategic partnerships, and community-wide collaboration, IHFA remains dedicated to its core goal: making safe, decent, and affordable housing available to all Idahoans.