Aid For Friends was founded in 1984 after the tragic deaths of two homeless men who died of exposure during the harsh Pocatello winter. Our community responded by forming a grassroots volunteer organization that found housing for area homeless primarily in basements and churches. Later that year, Bannock County donated a small house which became the first homeless shelter in our area. In 1988, Bannock County provided the facility at 653 S. 4th Avenue (below), which continued to serve as the Emergency Shelter for this community until 2020.
A new building to house the shelter was opened in 2021, becoming a space that can house twice as many residents as the previous building, is fully ADA accessible, contains a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, security systems, and commercial laundry machines. Men are housed in a separate wing from women and families.
Today, our agency has developed into a multifaceted resource center providing services and opportunities to overcome or prevent homelessness in Southeast Idaho. In addition to our Emergency Shelter, we also provide our clients with case management services to support self-sufficiency, a transitional housing program, and a host of other community services.
At Aid For Friends, our goal is not only to assist those in need with immediate shelter and services, but also to offer personal and professional attention. We strive to offer hope to individuals and families experiencing or facing homelessness.
