Boise City council approves controversial Interfaith Sanctuary homeless shelter

The Boise City Council has approved a controversial proposed homeless shelter on State Street.

The council OK'd Interfaith Sanctuary's application in a four to two vote late Monday night for a conditional use permit as long as roughly 30 conditions are met, including not exceeding 205-bed capacity.

"At the end of the day, this is our job, people who are experiencing homelessness in our community are Boise residents," said Holli Woodings, council president Pro tem. "Our job is every single Boise resident. It's work for Boise residents at the end of the day."

Of the many conditions, Interfaith would be required to report back to the Boise City Council after its first six months of occupancy, and then provide an annual compliance report to council members.

Councilmember Patrick Bageant opposed the motion as did Luci Willits.

"I have tried to come up with conditions that would work, and I didn't get there," Bageant said.

Elaine Clegg, council president, said she will happily make more modifications to the permit if things aren't working at the State Street location.

"We're going to have to come together," Clegg said. "If everyone performs, it will work."

Boise mayor Lauren McLean says she's committed to ensuring the city has resources to address permanent homeless solutions.

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