Interfaith Sanctuary’s New Shelter Home Offers Medical Care, Family Suites, and a Path Forward After Years of NIMBY Battles
In July 2025, a new state law forced Boise to make it illegal to sleep on public sidewalks, in parks, in cars, or on other public property.
City officials say unsheltered homelessness fell 25% from 2025 to 2026. But Jessica Barawed, the mayor’s adviser on homelessness, says it’s unclear what the number means. She said the camping ban has made it more difficult to reach the local homeless population. Rather than being in public, homeless people are staying mobile, and some are leaving the city center.
At the same time, homeless service providers say homelessness hasn’t gone away just because we can’t see it. Instead, demand for shelter and other services has surged, especially during the day when overnight shelters are closed. While data says otherwise, the need for services is greater than ever…