Idaho Nonprofits Announce Abrupt Termination of HUD Fair Housing Grants 

Boise, Idaho – Idaho Legal Aid Services (ILAS) and Intermountain Fair Housing Council (IFHC) announce the sudden termination of their Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) grants by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). On the evening of February 27, 2025, HUD notified both organizations that they were to suspend program-related activities immediately – effectively halting critical fair housing efforts without notice. The termination of this critical funding – originally set to run through June 2025 – will significantly curtail assistance to low-income families, seniors, and veterans. 

For ILAS, the original FHIP award of $124,799 was set to fund fair housing education, outreach, and legal assistance. IFHC’s funding supported wide-ranging initiatives, from complaint investigations to community training sessions. Both organizations have consistently received excellent performance ratings in every prior grant evaluation – yet neither has received any reimbursement for work already performed under the now-terminated contracts. 

“This sudden loss of funding undermines our ability to combat housing discrimination and provide legal services for those who need them most,” said Sunrise Ayers, Executive Director of Idaho Legal Aid Services. “ILAS has expended over 700 staff hours to achieve our grant objectives during this program period. Now, that work is effectively unfunded and leaves countless Idahoans vulnerable.” 

Prior to the termination, ILAS and IFHC were on track to provide vital legal and educational services to thousands of residents across the state. Together, they planned to distribute informational materials, create media campaigns, expand hotline support, and conduct fair housing outreach events. The abrupt cancellation has forced both nonprofits to close active cases, scale back services, and cancel vendor contracts that support local economies. 

“The termination of these grants – without warning or a clear explanation – has left Idaho renters, homeowners, and prospective tenants in limbo,” said [IFHC Staff]. “We are now calling on our elected officials and community partners to identify alternative resources so that fair housing protections remain strong and accessible in Idaho.” 

ILAS and IFHC have reached out to Idaho’s congressional delegation, requesting information on a potential path forward that ensures continued fair housing services. Community members and partner organizations seeking more information or wishing to offer support are encouraged to contact Evan Curry, Idaho Legal Aid Services’ Development Director, at 208-807-2214 or evancurry@idaholegalaid.org. 

About Idaho Legal Aid Services (ILAS) 
Founded in 1967, Idaho Legal Aid Services is the state’s largest nonprofit law firm dedicated to providing free civil legal representation to low-income residents, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and seniors. With seven offices serving all 44 counties in Idaho, ILAS helps thousands of people secure fair access to housing, healthcare, and protection under the law.