Who we are
Since 2005, ARCH has transformed the way our community looks at affordable housing. By purchasing, restoring and building properties in Blaine County, we are able to welcome into the neighborhood our teachers, police officers, hospital technicians, firefighters, nurses and others who serve the community.
By remaining committed to our mission of developing permanently affordable housing solutions, ARCH improves the quality of life for hardworking families who, in a more typical community, would not need housing assistance. We ensure that the people who serve this community can afford to live in it.
This commitment to empowering our community is carried out through programs that strengthen foundations, provide opportunities, advance economic vitality and promote cooperation within our community.
Our Vision
To create a thriving, sustainable, year-round community in Blaine County.
Our Mission
To develop, safe, permanently affordable housing for persons of low to moderate income and to work with all interested public and private parties towards this objective.
Our Values
Honesty, Integrity, Citizenship, Enhancement, Community, Affordability, Quality
Our Principles
To deliver high-quality affordable housing.
To balance effective use of resources with the delivery of attractive, long-lasting housing.
To integrate workforce housing compatible with surrounding neighborhoods.
Our History
Originally an advocacy group, ARCH was formed in 2005 by founder, past Board President and current Advisory Board Member, Rebekah Helzel. The organization focused on educating policy makers, employers and the public at large about the need for affordable housing and the resulting problems if affordable housing is unavailable.
In 2007 we amended our bylaws and IRS application to become a Community Land Trust (CLT) with a view to actively acquire land and homes to ensure ongoing affordability. We are a member of the National CLT Network.
Also since 2007 we have been certified as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) by the Idaho Housing Finance Association.
Who We Served by Profession
Interesting Facts
$425,000 = Blaine County Median Sale Price of Single Family home in 2016
Source: Sun Valley Board of Realtors
In 2016 the Median Household Income for a family of 4 = $78,600
Source: HUD (Housing & Urban Development)
A general rule of thumb is that a household can afford 3 times the annual household income when buying a home.
This means that it takes 3.5 Blaine County household incomes to purchase the average home.
Since 2009 ARCH has:
Delivered
Over 50 units of affordable housing.
Leveraged
Over $300k in private donations with federal housing dollars.
Secured
Over $10 million in federal housing dollars.