This week's Curtis Stigers benefit concert for the Interfaith Sanctuary Shelter is sold out once again.
In its 11th year, the Extreme Holiday Extravaganza raises a third of the non-profit's operating costs for the entire year.
For most non-profits, end of year giving provides a huge boost to keep them running smoothly and that's no different for Interfaith Sanctuary.
Moving away from receiving any federal funding, the shelter relies on private grants and individual donors.
They serve the most chronically and vulnerable homeless population and boast their new S.T.E.P.S. Program that has been highly successful in getting people back on their feet.
Sometimes the first step is to get them an I.D. so they can apply for housing and find jobs. The public can sponsor a guest in the S.T.E.P.S. Program.
On the horizon for 2017, a job training program at the shelter. Equipment has already been donated for a kitchen. Plus, Max Mohammadi, a homeless advocate and former downtown Boise restaurant owner, is on board to provide guidance.
"Our hope is to move in a job training program. So, we would utilize the guests that are currently staying with us to help prepare the food for the guests that are staying with us," says Jodi Peterson, development director for the Interfaith Sanctuary Shelter.
Eventually, they want to create a food product of sorts in the kitchen that can move into the wholesale market and put people to work on site.
With more guests interested in the S.T.E.P.S. Program and more people getting the drug treatment they need, Peterson hopes more donors will be in support of everything Interfaith Sanctuary has to offer.
"Understanding and supporting the work to allow us to help build people's lives up again... that's the investment they're making," Peterson concludes.
Fencing is already up outside of Interfaith Sanctuary where a playground will be built for families to enjoy. The equipment will be installed as soon as the weather warms up.
For more information on how to sponsor a guest visit http://supportingshelter.org.
