$125K unlocks matching grant for PAHA

The Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance on Tuesday announced it secured $125,000 in matching donor gifts, triggering an additional $125,000 match from The Marcus Anderson Family Foundation. 

“We are absolutely thrilled, and deeply grateful, to see our community rally around this work,” said Maggie Lyons, executive director of PAHA. 

A $45,000 contribution from the U.S. Bank Foundation and other gifts helped PAHA's total fundraising for "Miracle on Britton," its flagship project, rise to $1.1 million. The foundation's donation was awarded through the Community Possible platform and its “Home” pillar, which advances access to stable housing in Idaho.

Miracle on Britton is considered a blueprint for attainable, deed-restricted homeownership in Kootenai County, designed to help working families put down roots in homes that remain affordable for generations, a press release said.

“The U.S. Bank Foundation’s $45,000 gift helped us unlock the full matching grant from The Marcus Anderson Family Foundation," Lyons said. "With that momentum, we are full speed ahead to complete the Miracle on Britton blueprint and create lasting homeownership opportunities for the working families who keep Kootenai County strong.”

All 28 homes in Miracle on Britton are reserved for middle-income households and will be sold as fee-simple deed-restricted properties. 

"Offered at prices significantly below market rate, the homes use a resale formula that allows homeowners to build equity while ensuring the homes remain permanently affordable," a press release said. "This model addresses one of Kootenai County’s most urgent needs."

PAHA is a nonprofit dedicated to making homeownership and affordable rental housing attainable for more people in Kootenai County. It partners with builders, community organizations, local jurisdictions and state leaders to develop fee-simple deed-restricted homes and community land trust homes — models that preserve affordability in perpetuity for working families. 

Lyons said the $125,000 raised locally reflects the combined generosity of US Bank Foundation, residents, real estate professionals, businesses, PAHA’s construction partner’s parent corporation Hayden Homes and community champions "who believe in expanding sustainable housing solutions."