A Community Response to Summer Homelessness in the Treasure Valley
By The Good Network

Summer is here in the Treasure Valley, and for many of us, we are planning barbecues, hikes, and outdoor fun. But for hundreds of our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness, the rising temperatures present a very real and dangerous threat.

Idaho’s Treasure Valley may be known for its beautiful landscapes and four-season charm, but summers here can be brutal. Daytime temperatures often soar above 95°F, with heat waves pushing the mercury over 100°F for days at a time. Asphalt radiates heat, shade can be scarce, and without access to consistent shelter or hydration, people experiencing homelessness are at serious risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.

That's why S.E.E.C. and The Good Network are teaming up for a powerful new initiative:
Beat the Heat Bash — a block party-style outreach event dedicated to helping our unhoused neighbors survive the summer.

🗓 Save the Date: June 28th

We’ll be transforming the CATCH parking lot in Boise into a community care station — offering essential survival items, supportive services, music, food, and most importantly, human connection.

All donations must be collected by June 25th, allowing time to organize and distribute them effectively.

💛 Our Mission: Relief, Dignity & Compassion

This isn’t just about handing out water bottles — it’s about creating an experience that affirms dignity and recognizes the humanity of every person in our community. From personal care kits to medical check-ins, and even live entertainment, we’re aiming to build more than just a supply drive — we’re building connection.

🙌 How You Can Help:

We’re currently collecting:

Bottled water & sports drinks
Sunscreen & bug spray
Cooling towels or neck wraps
Hygiene kits (soap, lotion, razors, deodorant, etc.)
Toothbrushes & toothpaste
Lightweight blankets or sleeping bags
New socks, underwear, sandals
Hats, backpacks, first-aid kits

We also welcome:

Barbers / stylists for on-site haircuts
Medical volunteers for wellness check-ins
Food trucks / ice cream vendors
Musicians / entertainers
Donations to help purchase needed supplies:
👉 Donate on PayPal

🏆 Recognizing Those Who Step Up

All donors and partners will receive:

Public recognition across our social media platforms
Potential signage at the event
A custom “Community Partner” plaque to honor your impact

☀️ Why Summer is So Dangerous in the Treasure Valley

The high desert climate here means wide temperature swings — sweltering days followed by chilly nights. For people without consistent shelter, it’s a constant fight to stay hydrated and cool by day, and warm enough to sleep at night. Many live in cars or makeshift camps without access to water, shade, or even basic hygiene.

Add to this the stress of food insecurity, limited mobility, and social isolation, and it becomes clear: summer isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be life-threatening.

But it doesn’t have to be.

💡 There Are Resources — and We Stand With Them

While the need is great, we are not alone in this fight. The Treasure Valley is home to many remarkable organizations working every day to help people rebuild their lives. Some of the key resources for those facing housing insecurity include:

CATCH – Housing and case management for families and individuals
Corpus Christi House – Day shelter and resource access
Interfaith Sanctuary – Overnight shelter, supportive services, family housing
Boise Rescue Mission – Emergency shelter, meals, recovery programs
Jesse Tree – Rental assistance and legal housing support
LEAP Charities – Affordable housing and refugee housing assistance
WCA (Women's and Children's Alliance) – Emergency shelter and domestic violence support
Terry Reilly Health Services – Affordable health care for all

🎉 Let’s Beat the Heat — Together

If we want to build a stronger Treasure Valley, it starts with how we show up for the most vulnerable among us. Beat the Heat Bash is more than a day of giving — it’s a day of standing up, reaching out, and making sure no one gets left behind.

📩 Interested in donating, volunteering, or partnering? Contact us today.
Let’s build something good — together.

Beat the Heat Bash