As North Idaho grapples with a housing crisis that has left many residents without affordable options, Home Share Kootenai County is proving to be a resilient and innovative solution. By connecting individuals with extra living space (Home Providers) to those in need of affordable housing (Home Seekers), Home Share leverages existing community resources to tackle one of the region’s most pressing challenges.

A Community-Driven Approach

Home Share was conceived through the Housing Solutions Partnership, a regional initiative established in 2020 to address housing and growth issues. During a brainstorming session exploring 60 potential solutions, Home Share stood out as a cost-effective and practical option. “It’s a program that’s been around since the 1960s, but there wasn’t one in Idaho,” explains the founding member Kiki Miller. After confirming with state lawyers that nothing prohibited such a program, Kiki quickly assembled a team of local experts and advocates to bring the idea to life.

The program launched in 2022, with early funding and support from the Panhandle Area Council, a nonprofit specializing in administering municipal grants. Additional resources came from Connect Kootenai, whose housing initiatives were redirected to Home Share after the organization dissolved.

Resilience in Action

At its core, Home Share fosters resilience by utilizing community assets to provide housing without the need for costly new developments. It connects people in mutually beneficial ways—offering affordable housing to Home Seekers while providing financial or social support to Home Providers.

As of December 2024, Home Share has successfully matched over 50 Home Seekers—including students, single parents, and workers—with Providers who often are retirees or individuals living alone. This innovative program not only addresses housing needs but also strengthens the social fabric of the community.

Breaking Down Misconceptions

While many associate Home Share with senior assistance and despite original collaborator senior housing focus, the program serves a much broader demographic. “Home Share is a nonprofit for everyone,” Kiki Miller emphasizes. By creating tailored matches and conducting thorough background checks, Home Share ensures safety and compatibility, fostering trust and long-term success.

Facing the Housing Crisis with Innovation

The housing crisis in North Idaho is severe. According to the Idaho Housing Coalition, housing costs have surged 160% since 2016, far outpacing wage growth. Programs like Home Share are vital for creating resilience in the face of these challenges, complementing broader efforts like workforce support from CDAIDE, transitional housing from St. Vincent de Paul, and attainable housing developments by the Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance. Our community is resilient by the collective efforts of all these non profits to support the community and grow with the expanding growth of our region.

The Path Forward

Looking ahead to 2025, Home Share has plans to expand its reach and efficiency. The Housing Solutions Partnership, which Home Share stemmed from, is facilitating a grant funded feasibility survey to fund Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Kootenai County and which would be managed through Home Share. These smaller, secondary living spaces can provide additional affordable housing while maximizing existing property use.

“We’re focused on making housing more resilient and accessible,” says Kiki Miller. “By utilizing what we already have in the community, we’re addressing the housing crisis without waiting for large-scale infrastructure projects.”

Get Involved

As Home Share continues to grow, community support remains essential. To support this resilient housing initiative or learn more about its success stories, visit www.homesharekc.org or follow them on Facebook @homesharekc.

Through creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to resilience, Home Share Kootenai County is not just solving a housing crisis—it’s building a stronger, more connected community.

Join the Journey

We are stronger together!