Local nonprofit seeking summer items for people experiencing homelessness as new legislation looms
BOISE, ID — As summer temperatures climb and new statewide legislation threatens to further limit options for people experiencing homelessness, local Housing First nonprofit CATCH is urgently calling for community support through donations of essential summer survival items.
“We couldn’t keep enough water on hand last year,” said Connor O’Hora, CATCH’s Outreach Team Lead. “And with even more folks unsheltered this summer — especially families and elderly individuals living in their vehicles — the need is greater than ever.”
CATCH’s Outreach Team is in the field at least three days a week, traveling by van and bicycle throughout Ada County to distribute supplies like bottled water, reusable water bottles, sports drinks, hygiene kits, bug spray, sleeping bags, and new socks and undergarments. The team also operates bi-monthly outreach at local shelters and twice-weekly drop-in hours at CATCH’s office for people experiencing homelessness to access resources and apply for housing assistance.
Essential items like water bottles and snack packs aren’t just about survival, O’Hora emphasized. “They’re crucial engagement tools. In those first conversations with someone living outside, showing up with water and resources helps us build trust and start the long process of connecting them to housing and services.”
CATCH is also navigating new challenges this year as Senate Bill 1141, Idaho’s statewide public camping ban, is set to go into effect July 1. “There’s a lot of ambiguity about how this law will be enforced locally,” O’Hora said. “But what we do know is that it will disproportionately affect those who have no other place to go. Our immediate focus is getting people emergency supplies and protecting their health and safety in the heat.”
Community members can support CATCH’s “BEAT the HEAT” campaign by dropping off needed items at 503 S. Americana Blvd, Boise during business hours, or by purchasing supplies through the nonprofit’s updated Amazon Wishlist. Financial donations are also welcomed to support CATCH’s housing and outreach efforts year-round.
“We are incredibly grateful to every person, family, and group who steps up to support our most vulnerable neighbors,” said O’Hora. “This summer, every bottle of water, every pair of clean socks, and every dollar donated makes a real, tangible difference.”
To date this year, CATCH Outreach has recorded more than 1,500 interactions with people experiencing homelessness through walk-in meetings, shelter and library pop-ups, and during unsheltered outreach. Additionally, the Outreach Team has conducted over 200 housing assessments to help people move toward long-term housing stability.
More Current Stats:
- In the first quarter of 2025 (Jan-March), CATCH ended local homelessness for 121 people, including 59 children and 27 families.
- In 2024, CATCH ended local homelessness for a record-breaking 486 people, including 223 children and 114 families.
- There are currently more than 1,800 households experiencing homelessness in the Treasure Valley.