Want to live in an affordable Boise container home? These new ones will likely go fast
A Boise nonprofit is nearing completion of its second set of four-bedroom homes made from recycled steel cargo containers for rent to low-income families.
But there are just four of them, and if you want to rent one, you’d better act fast.
Leap Housing Solutions will accept applications from families seeking to rent the homes in person only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. No applications will be accepted afterward.
Applications are now available online for download. They will also be available beginning at 9 a.m. at the homes’ site, Windy Court 2, 9958 W. Shields Ave., in Northwest Boise.
More than 25 families applied last year to rent the four original Windy Court homes, which opened a year ago just west of Windy Court 2. Leap stopped accepting applications after determining that other families would be so far down the list they wouldn’t have a chance of getting into one.
Leap executives believe interest will be just as strong this time.
Those chosen to live in the 960-square-foot, two-bathroom homes must pay $1,000 security deposits within 48 hours of being notified of acceptance.
Three of the shipping-container homes will be rented to households making 50% or less of the area median income. The other will go to a family making 30% or less.
For Ada County, 50% means a maximum income of $25,750 for a family of four and $30,170 for a family of five. At 30%, the maximum income is $22,100 for a family of four and $23,900 for a family of five.
The three homes for families with the higher incomes will rent for $1,067 per month, while the lower-income family will pay $864 per month. Rent includes electricity, water, sewer and trash service.
Each house includes a stove, dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer. Each comes with two parking spaces.
Completed applications, along with a $30 per adult application fee payable by money order, must be turned in at that location. The fee payment will be cashed only if an application is accepted.
Preference will be given to families with members who are elderly or have a disability.
The Idaho Housing and Finance Association awarded Leap with funding from the National Housing Trust Fund and Neighborhood Stabilization Program to carry out the project. Boise housing builder IndieDwell built the homes.
“With innovative partnerships and creative housing solutions, we are able to build hope for Treasure Valley families and make positive steps toward relieving the affordable housing crisis,” Bart Cochran, Leap founder and executive director, said in a news release.
