In November 2005, Interfaith Sanctuary was created in response to a crisis of homelessness in the City of Boise. Community-based organizations that serve people who are homeless reported to a gathering of faith leaders that 250 – 300 homeless individuals were sleeping on the ’streets’ and were either unable or unwilling to go to other shelter services in the city. In response, Interfaith Sanctuary opened a temporary emergency shelter, first in a local house of worship and then in a downtown warehouse.

From December 8, 2005 – March 31, 2006, 300 different individuals were served. Of those 300; one-third were women and children. Nearly 75% of the total group had significant alcohol or other drug issues and most needed mental health and/or health assistance. More than 45% of those people served by Sanctuary were employed.

By plan and necessity, the Winter Emergency Shelter was closed on April 1, 2006. When the shelter closed, two-thirds of the people who had been staying at Sanctuary either moved to other shelter services or found housing, typically being assisted by El-Ada Community Action Partnership and S.H.I.P. (Supportive Housing and Innovative Partnerships). The rest returned to the street.

Interfaith Sanctuary opened it’s doors again on November 1, 2006 for the winter season. For the first month, Sanctuary was hosted by several downtown Boise congregations including Cathedral of the Rockies – First United Methodist Church, St. John’s Cathedral and First Congregational United Church of Christ. In December, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church invited Sanctuary to use their newly acquired space at the Carnegie Public Library Building. Sanctuary offered services at this location throughout the season until closing on April 1, 2007. During the 2006 – 2007 Winter Sheltering Season, Sanctuary served nearly 400 different individuals with daily averages between 85 – 105.

In the fall of 2007, Interfaith Sanctuary purchased a 10,200 sq. foot building in downtown Boise (1620 W. River St.) and opened the doors for year-round shelter and services on November 1, 2007. Each night, men, women, and families with children are provided with shelter, comfort foods/snacks, hospitality, and supportive services. In the first five months of operations, Sanctuary has served nearly 600 individuals with daily averages of 110 – 140.