Letters to the editor: Foster care and opposing views on a shelter on State Street

Foster care

As teenagers, we experienced many firsts — our first date, our first driving lesson, our first job interview — and most of us had a supportive adult to help guide us through it all. But not every teen has that caring adult in their life.

On any given day, there are approximately 2,400 children in foster care in Idaho who are over the age of 12. Teenagers need a sense of stability, connection, and guidance — especially with big life tasks such as enrolling in college, finding employment and establishing healthy relationships.

Think back to an adult who made an impact during your teenage years. Did they play a role in changing the trajectory of your life? The impact of a caring adult is crucial as they navigate life and its many challenges. We never outgrow the need for a family.

You can make the difference, and you won’t have to do it alone. The state of Idaho provides assistance in medical and dental insurance, foster care reimbursement, case management service, support groups, and more.

Foster Care Informational Meetings occur monthly. Learn how you can make an impact in the life of a teen. Visit fosteringidaho.org or call 2-1-1.

Sarahi Juarez, Boise

Oppose shelter location

I oppose Interfaith Alliance’s proposal to house all the varieties of homelessness at the old Salvation Army building. After much personal investigation of shelter systems that have succeeded (Houston, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Columbus, Ohio) and some that failed, (San Diego, California; St. Paul, Minnesota) I do not believe Boise is ready to fulfill the grand ideas of Jodi Petersen’s for Boise’s homeless issue.

Reading the IFA’s website, I am more than concerned that implementing, measuring and successfully completing all the new programs listed for one location is sheer folly at this point. Ms. Petersen obviously tugs at the heartstrings of people in power who can affect real estate shuffles, zoning laws and bus stops. But other than Our Path Home’s commitment to help, I find little coordinated effort between nonprofits, the city of Boise and the state (which holds the CARES funding) in addressing the growing homeless issue. Unless and until Boise brings in outside, educated and seasoned consultants like Mandy Chapman Semple (a Housing and Urban Development-appointed consultant used by Houston) any new plans by IFA are suspect. Ms. Peterson has grand ideas, but she is in way over her head trying to re-invent the wheel.

Gretchen Hoyt, Boise

Support shelter location

I am writing this letter in support of the Interfaith Sanctuary’s conditional use permit for their new State Street shelter project.

I have been an active member of the Boise/Ada County Homeless Coalition and have worked with community service providers and people experiencing homelessness in Boise for over a decade. My husband and I donated land and worked with LEAP Housing to provide low-income housing to eight families in northwest Boise. We realize that the Housing First model should be our ultimate goal; however, the reality is that there is not enough time for the city to implement this model.

At this point in time, Interfaith Sanctuary’s shelter is our community’s best option. Therefore; I’m asking the Boise City Council members to approve this permit and expedite the shelter’s transition to this location. Time is of the essence.

Cay Marquart, Boise