Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Services receives $37,000 check

The Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Services received the highest number of donations across the state during an annual fundraiser.

The Avenues of Hope fundraiser was held for three weeks in December. The results showed that PNHS received a total of $37,000 dollars, more than any organization in the state.

Executive Director Mark Dahlquist said that money will go toward many programs that help people stay in their homes during times of financial hardship.

Donors and sponsors attended a celebration and presentation of the check Thursday at Portneuf Valley Brewing. The Family Services Alliance and Aid for Friends were also given checks for donations made in their name during the fundraiser.

The Home Partnership Foundation that created the online donation drive said it hears from non-profits about homeless Idahoans. The development director for the Home Partnership Foundation said she also hears from school districtsabout homeless children too often.

“That’s why it’s great to have such a strong network of non-profits that help take care of these people,” said Deanna Ward, Development Director for the Home Partnership Foundation.

Ward and Dahlquist joked about last year’s award ceremony in Boise, where Dahlquist told Ward she should be prepared to travel to Pocatello to present the top award this year. However, he said he’s still surprised about the outcome.

“Pocatello is such a giving community and there are so many valued partners out there who care about Pocatello and care about what we do,” Dahlquist said. “I’m just really humbled and taken aback by all this.”

Across the state, the total amount raised was over $233,000, double the amount last year and almost $200,000 higher than their $53,000 mark in 2012.