Help leaving homelessness in Idaho
We've found 9 places in Idaho for people leaving homelessness, mostly in Boise and Coeur d'Alene, and 6 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with food (5), benefits & cash (4) and shelter & housing (4).
Places in Idaho
211 Idaho CareLine
Free statewide information and referral line that points Idahoans toward food, housing, utility, and health help from nonprofits and faith groups. Dial 2-1-1 or text 898211 during weekday hours to reach a resource specialist.
Idaho Office for Refugees
State refugee coordinator program working with resettlement agencies in Boise and Twin Falls. Runs an English Language Center, youth mentoring, Neighbors United, transportation help, nutrition programs, Know Your Rights sessions, and a statewide Idaho Resource Guide for newcomers.
Interfaith Sanctuary Shelter Home
Low-barrier Boise shelter on State Street for families with children, single adults, and medically fragile people. Guests get meals, showers, laundry, on-site medical care, a mailing address, and staff support day and night. Call the shelter line to ask about a bed.
River of Life Men's Shelter
Faith-based emergency shelter for men in downtown Boise with meals, clothing, job-search help, mental health counseling, a veterans ministry, and the long-term New Life recovery program. Overnight check-in is in the late afternoon; call or walk in.
St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho HELP Center
Coeur d'Alene's main entry point for people without housing. The HELP Center on Harrison handles case management and daily shelter check-in at 8 a.m. for the men's and women's shelters (12 beds each, stays up to 90 days). Also runs a winter warming center, Father Bill's Kitchen for meals and showers, rapid rehousing, and 329 supportive housing units.
Idaho Legal Aid Services Advice Line
Free civil legal help for low-income Idahoans, with dedicated intake tracks for domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and sex trafficking survivors, seniors, and public benefits problems. Phone intake runs Monday through Wednesday late morning; online applications are accepted any time. Offices in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Nampa, Pocatello, and Twin Falls.
Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
Issues certified copies of Idaho birth certificates for births from July 1911 forward, which you will need for a state ID, benefits, or work. Call for ordering instructions; births outside Idaho must be ordered from that state.
Idaho DMV Driver's License and ID Cards
Idaho ID cards and driver's licenses are issued at county sheriff or assessor DMV offices, not a state office. You must show proof of citizenship or lawful presence, identity, Idaho residency, and name. Some counties require appointments; the ITD contact center answers questions weekdays.
idalink Benefits Portal (SNAP and Medicaid)
Idaho's single online application for SNAP food assistance, Medicaid, and other DHW programs. Apply at idalink.idaho.gov; a customer support line handles login and application problems.
National lines that work in Idaho
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.