In the rapidly expanding real estate market of Boise, Idaho, the dream of homeownership has increasingly become out of reach for low-income families. Amidst this challenging backdrop, LEAP Housing, an Idaho-based nonprofit, has emerged as a beacon of hope, dedicating itself to pioneering solutions for the state’s escalating affordable housing crisis.
A testament to their innovative approach is the Whitney Commons development located on N Shamrock Ave, Boise. This 11-home subdivision is designed to offer low-income Idaho families an opportunity to own a home, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and ADA visitability—amenities not typically available in the open market.
Bestbath, a company committed to supporting equitable access to safe and affordable housing, recognized the importance of this project. Through a generous donation of shower and tub units to the Whitney Commons development, Bestbath has played a pivotal role in reducing the overall project costs while ensuring the homes are of a quality not usually found in affordable housing initiatives.
Whitney Commons stands as a shining example of how thoughtful design and partnerships can create opportunities for low-income families. The development targets buyers with incomes at 80% of the Area Median Income, offering them the chance to purchase new homes with modern finishes, efficient spaces, in safe neighborhoods close to city amenities—attributes many desire, but assume are beyond their reach.
The contribution from Bestbath has been instrumental in this process. The company provided high-quality shower/tub combo units for the upstairs bathrooms and barrier-free shower units for the downstairs, aligning perfectly with LEAP’s belief in dignifying its buildings for all residents regardless of their income level. Notably, thanks to the support of many other local agencies, the Whitney Commons project achieved this without relying on federal funding, which is uncommon as 95% of affordable housing projects in the U.S. are incentivized by federal dollars. The inclusion of Bestbath’s products not only helped reduce the overall cost of the homes but also ensured they did not compromise on quality.
This project serves as a vital addition to Boise’s housing inventory, making homeownership attainable for low- and moderate-income households and allowing them to stay in the city they love. Bestbath’s contribution went beyond cost savings, elevating the quality of the homes and ensuring they did not resemble the typical affordable housing products.
The inclusion of Bestbath’s products not only helped reduce the overall cost of the homes but also ensured they did not compromise on quality.