Twin Falls Tackles Housing Crisis with New Developments

The city of Twin Falls is confronting a significant housing shortage, with many residents struggling to find affordable accommodations.

In response, the community has launched several initiatives to address this pressing issue.

One notable project is the Alder Apartments, a workforce housing development that recently celebrated its grand opening.

After four years of construction, this complex offers 72 units with rents ranging from $855 to $1,176 for a three-bedroom apartment.

These apartments are designed for essential workers earning 60% or less of the area median income, approximately $36,000 annually.

Residents like Krystal have found solace in this new housing option.

"In the midst of my storm, hearing the news that I was going to get one of these apartments was amazing. I'm elated to be here," she shared.

Another resident, Kelvin, expressed relief at the improved living conditions.

"It was cramped before because we were living in a space designed for one person. It's so peaceful now. The kids have their own rooms," he said.

The development of the Alder Apartments was a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders.

The city of Twin Falls invested over $1.7 million into the project, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the housing crisis.

Mayor Ruth Pierce emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, "By wisely using SLFRF funds, we were able to invest in our community’s future, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive environment for all to call home."

Additional funding sources included the Idaho Workforce Housing Fund, which contributed $3.5 million, and Idaho Housing and Finance, which added $2.5 million.

Low-income housing tax credits provided an additional $10.2 million, facilitating the project's completion.

Despite these efforts, the demand for affordable housing in Twin Falls remains high.

According to a joint report from the Idaho Asset Building Network and the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Idaho faces a shortage of 24,802 affordable homes.

In the Magic Valley alone, there is a deficit of approximately 2,000 homes.

Lucia Pulido of Community Council Idaho highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that their waitlist for low-income housing units is up to a year long.

"They fill up pretty quick once we have a moveout, turn it over and within a week or two they’re already situated," Pulido explained.

To further address the housing shortage, the city council recently approved a new residential lot for development near Washington Street North, just north of Pole Line.

While specific building plans have yet to be filed, this move signifies a proactive approach to meeting the growing housing demand.

Josh Palmer, the city's Public Information Coordinator, acknowledged the ongoing need for housing solutions.

"A lot of us don’t feel like we really see much of a slowdown in the growth and certainly in the demand; there’s still a lot of interest in people who want to move to this area," Palmer said.

In addition to local efforts, organizations like Simplicity by Hayden Homes are expanding their operations to Twin Falls County and surrounding areas.

This expansion aims to provide diverse housing options, including single-family homes and multi-unit developments, to accommodate the needs of working families.

Ryan Jennings, President of Simplicity, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative.

"Our team is looking forward to partnering across South Central Idaho to help property owners build their dream homes and to create much-needed workforce housing," Jennings stated.

While these developments are promising, challenges persist.

Limited available land and rising construction costs continue to hinder the rapid expansion of affordable housing.

However, the collaborative efforts of public and private entities, along with community support, are paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive housing environment in Twin Falls.

As the city continues to grow, these initiatives serve as vital steps toward ensuring that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing.