Corpus Christi House Inc

Our story is a story of Boise’s community trying to make its city better. Ten years ago, a group of teachers, pastors, business men, and others noticed the increased numbers of homeless on Boise’s streets. They were there all day, every day. It did not matter if the day was sunny or wet, hot or cold: they were there.

The group began small, serving meals and assisting at the overnight shelters, but they immediately began dreaming of opening a hospitality day shelter: a place that would be welcoming and comfortable, a place that in addition to providing for basic needs would provide emotional support through positive relationships and creative assistance.

In December 2003, they opened Corpus Christi House. A decade later we hold on to that vision of true community. We are an all-volunteer run and all-donation funded organization.  

Our day begins at 7 am. As the doors to the overnight shelters close, ours open. Men, women, and families, are invited in to take showers and eat breakfast. Another meal will be served at 10 am and again at 2 pm. The showers are open all day and guests are provided with soap, shampoo, razors, and fresh, clean towels. Community volunteers and guest-volunteers work together to maintain the bathroom and laundry facilities. By working together they create a new CCH community.

Guests can have their laundry done, have their hair cut, and select a new outfit. There is safe long term and short term storage. Bus passes to help people go to doctor’s appointments and job interviews.

The STEP UP Education Center offers access to computers that help guests search for housing or jobs. The Center supports homeless youth and children by facilitating ‘play and learn’ activities twice a week.

Some guests only use our services for a short time. They move on to other places or obtain housing. Others need more continued support. There is no simple solution to homelessness. Finding a solution is not our goal. We look at the homeless and see people who are a part of our community and we try to ease their burdens.

Our current Service Director put it like this:

“Each morning at the break of day a small group of CCH volunteers provides a hot cup of coffee, breakfast, and companionship to the homeless of our city. They approach the homeless not as if they were providing a service, rather as brothers and sisters , privileged to share this bit of the rugged journey.”