Key funding from bank to help organization address evictions

An organization dedicated to helping people avoid evictions has received a grant from a financial institution that will go a long way toward its mission.

Jesse Tree, which provides housing resources for low-income families in the Treasure Valley , received $300,000 from a KeyBank grant.

“This funding will allow our organization to progress to meet the demand for our services,” said Ali Rabe, executive director of Jesse Tree. “Over the next three years, Jesse Tree will be able to grow our community health program with the support of KeyBank and continue to provide more direct emergency financial assistance to tenants facing temporary hardship. We are so grateful for this partnership with KeyBank, and their dedication to keeping our neighbors housed.”

Now in its 25th year, Jesse Tree reported that is has prevented eviction and homelessness for more than 8,000 families in the region, and funded $10 million in one-time rental assistance. It fielded more than 28,000 calls and texts, received 3,500 applications for assistance, and attended 1,802 eviction hearings in 2023. The grant from KeyBank will be put to use in Jesse Tree’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program and to fund a community health resource position.

According to a release, Jesse Tree’s “ERA provides case management and financial assistance to low-income renters at a high risk of eviction and homelessness. [The organization’s] services include attending eviction court with tenants, negotiating agreements with landlords and their attorneys, paying outstanding rent owed, creating housing stability plans, and providing financial literacy education and employment connections.”

The health resource position focuses on connecting the nonprofit’s clients to needed health resources since nearly one-fourth of them are facing evictions due to health-related problems.

“Jesse Tree’s main goal with the ERA program is to help our neighbors avoid an eviction, which can create a lifelong barrier to securing housing and employment,” said Scott Schlange, KeyBank Idaho president. “This grant will help Jesse Tree keep more low-income families in the Treasure Valley housed and connected to vital health support services.”

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