Basic Needs

The resources in this list pertain to some of our basic needs that are needed for survival including physiological ones like food, and shelter.

Food

Idaho Foodbank: Provides food assistance in various locations. Offers Idaho school feeding site, and access to other Federally funded food programs.
St. Vincent De Paul, Overland Center Food Pantry: St. Vincent de Paul of Southwest Idaho operates five conveniently located food pantries. Stretch your food budget with food from the food pantry near you!

Shelter

Jesse Tree: This organization is focused on eviction and homelessness prevention in the Treasure Valley. Jesse Tree provides financial assistance coupled with case management to households at risk of eviction and homelessness who are unable to pay rent. Case management includes landlord mediation, budgeting help, and housing stability planning, while financial assistance catches people up on the rent that they owe. Jesse Tree also supports households in eviction court to keep them from getting an eviction on their record and out of homelessness.
Just Shelter Renter Relief: If you rent, a great national resource is the search-by-state function on Justshelter.org. This offers information on local organizations that can provide advice to renters in distress, including preserving affordable housing, preventing eviction, and reducing family homelessness.
Mortgage Relief: The Federal Housing Finance Agency has instructed mortgage servicers to allow borrowers whose mortgages are owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to delay payments. This forbearance program allows for a mortgage payment to be suspended for up to 12 months due to hardship caused by the coronavirus. To find out if Fannie or Freddie own your mortgage, you can search your address on this federal government site.

Utilities

If you are struggling to pay your power bill during this time, Idaho Power can help. Payment arrangements can set you on a manageable path forward with the past-due balance.

Idaho Power is offering additional payment solutions in response to the struggles many are experiencing due to the coronavirus pandemic. Please contact us to make payment arrangements if you are not able to pay your bill in full. Find more information on this flyer or call their Customer Care Team at: 208-388-2323 (Treasure Valley area) 1-800-488-6151 (toll free).

Health

Medical Services: Health Services continues to offer onsite resources such as appointments for acute or chronic medical and/or mental health issues, immunizations, lab draws, allergy shots, etc. Providing medical telehealth appointments, when appropriate, via Zoom for patients that are now out of the area (but still in Idaho) or for those in the area that do not want to leave their homes during the Stay at Home order.
- Contact: Rochelle Wolfe: Rochellewolfe@boisestate.edu
Pathways Community Crisis Center of Southwest Idaho is now providing FREE voluntary hospital clearance for individuals who wish to admit to a mental health facility for treatment, without presenting to the emergency room.
While no one would choose to have a chronic health condition, they do happen for a number of reasons. The State’s health plan has programs in place to help employees and their families manage and even improve their chronic conditions which also helps them manage their costs for healthcare-related expenses. For more information, check out their website: https://ogi.idaho.gov/the-first-wealth-is-health/

Mental Health & Counseling

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential service that provides short-term counseling services to help address personal, financial, career, and work-life issues to eligible employees and their families. To access this benefit, simply call the EAP at (888) 559-6556 or text (208) 336-4275 and identify yourself as a Boise State University employee.

If you would like to speak with a mental health counselor or access other mental health resources, you can also call Boise State Counseling Services at (208) 426-1459 to schedule a telemental health counseling session, and/or visit the Boise State Counseling Services website, which offers links to counseling services off-campus, as well as other sources of information and assistance on mental health. There are occasions when a problem or crisis feels too overwhelming to wait for a scheduled appointment. If this is the case, Counseling Services have staff available during standard hours of operation to more immediately assess your needs.
National Crisis Text Line: Crisis Text Line is the free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis in the United States. The service is powered by volunteer Crisis Counselors who work remotely—anywhere with a computer and secure internet connection works. Text “HOME” to 741-741. For more information, visit www.crisistextline.org
Idaho COVID-19 HOTLINE: When you’re isolated at home, feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or worry may become overwhelming. Experiencing these feelings is common during times of heightened stress. Don’t be afraid to reach out. The Department of Health and Welfare has opened a COVID-19 Behavioral Health Distress Line, offering anonymous and confidential assistance for all, no matter your situation. If you are experiencing any type of distress from feeling overwhelmed or isolated, a mental health challenge, substance use disorder, or if you are seeking resources during this difficult time, please reach out!
Responders are available via phone or text, with a chat feature coming soon. Callers may also leave a message during off-hours and receive a return call the following day. The COVID Help Now Line is staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mountain Time, seven days a week, and can be reached by calling or texting 986-867-1073 or calling toll-free 866-947-5186.
Call in: 888-330-3010 OR Idaho Care Line: call 2-1-1 or visit www.211.idaho.gov
Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline: call 2-1-1 or 208-398-4357
Optum Idaho Member Crisis Line: call 855-202-0973