In a city facing a growing housing crisis and shifting public policy around homelessness, Neighbor Idaho—a grassroots nonprofit based in Boise—is changing how people see and engage with their unhoused neighbors. At its heart, their mission is simple—to destigmatize homelessness in the Treasure Valley by offering unconditional love.
“Through my time working with the homeless, I found that one of the biggest complaints a lot of the people that are living in the streets had was that they just feel invisible. People see them on the streets, and it elicits an uncomfortable response, so they don’t acknowledge them. We want everyone to see the person first,” said Daniel Thomas, who is Neighbor Idaho’s founder. He is also the housing director for CATCH, an organization that provides case management and housing assistance. Thomas said that both roles compliment one another, giving him a broader perspective and context on homelessness, including government and policy decisions that impact the community.
Through monthly outreach efforts in which the organization gathers and distributes toiletries, clothing, food, and more, Neighbor Idaho hopes to encourage positive encounters with the homeless community. Thomas said that it isn’t so much about the items they’re handing out, but the interactions that it facilitates—the intentional time to get to know someone.
Neighbor Idaho also throws quarterly block parties, which bring around 200 people—plus volunteers—together in celebration. In addition to food—which is donated by local restaurants like Amano, Starbucks, The STIL, and Luciano’s—Boise Barber College provides free haircuts to men and women. There are also games for people to play as they eat and converse. “It is a really community centric event,” explained Thomas. “A chance for people to relax and forget about their issues, at least for a little bit.”
Thomas said that the concept of tabling is important to the larger goal of destigmatization because it provides a space and opportunity to sit down and connect on a deeper level—to share a meal together in the name of friendship. “People really do have a heart—have compassion for—the homeless. Once you hear someone’s story, it can change your perspective,” said Thomas.
In April, Neighbor Idaho also launched a new initiative called Neighbor Kits, which are premade toiletry kids that the public can purchase to keep in their cars. “Some people don’t carry cash or don’t feel comfortable handing it out. People don’t know what to do, but this provides a start to a conversation,” Thomas said. In addition to toiletries and food items, each kit includes a challenge card, which will suggest a way to further connect with individuals, including conversation prompts or coupons to provide someone with a chicken sandwich.
The reason for homelessness can vary, which is one of the things Thomas hopes to educate people on. He’s quick to point out, however, that even if someone is experiencing homelessness because of drugs or other decisions, they still deserve compassion. “They’re still human beings—and that’s what we’re trying to get out,” he said.
To support Neighbor Idaho, check out their website and social media, which regularly post volunteer opportunities. You can also purchase Neighbor Kits. But most importantly, said Thomas, Neighbor Idaho encourages folks to do their part to end the stigmatization of homelessness by getting to know their neighbors.
Thomas said that, at every block party, people ask why he’s out there doing what he does. “We’re doing it for the people we serve,” he said. “For the love of them. To show the love of Jesus. To be the hands and feet. To love people exactly where they are.”
