Boise, Idaho – Idaho Legal Aid Services (ILAS) regretfully announces a reduction in staffing triggered by significant decreases in federal funding. These funding challenges stem from the cancellation of an existing $125,000 Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) grant, and the unexpected withdrawal of approximately $950,000 in grant opportunities that ILAS has traditionally relied upon to fund its services for survivors of domestic violence and older adults. 

“This decrease in federal grant funding not only impacts our ability to serve Idahoans, but also forces us to reduce staff who are crucial in providing free, civil legal services,” said Executive Director Sunrise Ayers. “Fewer staff means we now have fewer hours available to help people with their legal problems. Now, more than ever, we need the support of our neighbors, partners, and community to ensure Idaho’s most vulnerable residents receive the critical legal help they need.” 

In response to these funding cuts, ILAS is calling on the community to support the upcoming Access to Justice Fund Run. The Fund Run is a family-friendly, non-competitive 5K run/walk designed to raise both funds and awareness for the Access to Justice Idaho Campaign. All of the registration fees from the Fund Run go directly to the Access to Justice Campaign, which helps fund Idaho Legal Aid Services, the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program (IVLP), and DisAbility Rights Idaho (DRI) – three organizations dedicated to meeting the civil legal needs of low-income and at-risk Idahoans. 

Details of the Fund Run: 

• What: A non-competitive 5K run/walk open to families and their dogs
• Why: Raise funds for the Access to Justice Idaho Campaign and three deserving organizations 
• Where and When: Fort Boise Park – Boise, Idaho on May 31st , 2025, at 10:00 a.m. 
• Registration: https://www.raceentry.com/races/access-to-justice-fund-runwalk-5k/2025/register 

“Our mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of those who cannot afford legal representation,” added Deputy Director Jenna Furman. “As recent events have shown, unforeseen circumstances can drastically increase the demand for free legal services. Far too many of our neighbors now grapple with eviction, foreclosure, and mounting medical debt and are looking to us for help.” 

ILAS invites businesses, community organizations, and residents to participate in the Fund Run, donate to the Access to Justice Idaho Campaign, or donate directly to Idaho Legal Aid Services through our website. The collective efforts of the community will help fill the gap left by diminishing federal grants, and ensure Idaho Legal Aid Services can continue its vital work. 

For more information about Access to Justice, the Fund Run, or to donate, please visit https://ilf.idaho.gov/accesstojustice. For further information about Idaho Legal Aid Services, please visit our website at: www.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 other protections under the law.

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.

Idaho Legal Aid Services Announces New Executive Director 

Boise, ID – Idaho Legal Aid Services (ILAS), a statewide nonprofit law firm committed to serving the civil legal needs of low-income Idahoans, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sunrise Ayers as its new Executive Director. With nearly two decades of dedicated service at ILAS, Sunrise has played a pivotal role in enhancing access to justice for Idaho’s low-income communities. 

Her selection by the ILAS Board of Directors follows a process that began earlier this year, after Jim Cook announced his decision to step down after 25 years at ILAS, 11 as Executive Director. Jim will continue to serve as Executive Director until November 15. 

Sunrise’s journey with ILAS began in 2006 when she joined as a staff attorney, driven by her passion for public service and commitment to supporting those in need. Over the years, she has held several key leadership roles, including Managing Attorney of the Boise Office and Deputy Director, a role she has held since 2018. During her tenure, she has overseen critical programs that have profoundly improved ILAS’s ability to serve its low-income client community. 

"We are thrilled to have Sunrise step into the role of Executive Director,” said Jim Cook. “Her vision, dedication, and profound understanding of our mission make her the ideal leader to guide ILAS forward.” 

"As Executive Director, I plan to continue to be a strenuous advocate for access to justice for all Idahoans, and am honored to have this opportunity to serve our client communities. ILAS is an incredible organization, supported by a talented and compassionate staff and a dedicated Board, all of whom work tirelessly to improve the lives of low-income Idahoans. I believe deeply in our mission and the impact of our work and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish in the years ahead.” 

Sunrise is an Idahoan who graduated from Kuna High School, earned her Bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from the College of Idaho and her Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College. She resides in the Treasure Valley with her husband and two sons. 

For more information or to schedule an interview with Sunrise Ayers, please contact Evan Curry, Director of Development, at (208) 807-2214 or evancurry@idaholegalaid.org. 

About Idaho Legal Aid Services: 
ILAS’s mission is to provide equal access to justice for low-income people through quality advocacy and education. Housing cases are the largest by volume. Serving survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking consume the biggest share of resources. Public entitlements, including helping seniors to obtain Medicaid for long term care is another sizable practice area. ILAS has units focused on serving Native Americans and agricultural workers as well as an impact practice focused on federal litigation.