Find alternatives to calling the Boise Police Department.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
- CATCH
- The Our Path Home program addresses the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness and connect them to their path to a stable home. Works with 40 partner agencies collaboratively work together to provide as many supports as a might be needed, such as childcare and counseling. Limited availability and hours due to COVID-19.
- (208) 246-8830
- http://catchprogram.org/
- City Light Home for Women & Children*
- Emergency shelter for women and children providing emergency services such as meals, shelter and clothing, as well as education, work-search assistance, mental health counseling, addiction recovery through the New Life Program, and children’s programs. No one turned away for food or shelter. Check-in at 4 p.m. daily.
- 1404 W. Jefferson St, Boise, ID 83702
- (208) 368-9901
- https://boiserm.org/facilities/city-light/
- *Please note this resource is Christian-affiliated
- Interfaith Sanctuary
- Provides overnight shelter for up to 164 men, women and children each night of the year. Shelter services are available from 6:00pm – 7:00am daily (8:00am on Sunday), and are supplemented by light dinners provided in partnership with Life’s Kitchen and the Idaho Foodbank. Serves a diverse population. ADA accessible. Only emergency shelter in Boise for single women with male children over 12.
- 1620 River St. (Walk-in at 5:45 p.m.)
- (208) 343-2630 (Call after 6 p.m.)
- TTY: (800) 377-3529 or Idaho Relay Service: Dial 711
- https://interfaithsanctuary.org/emergency-shelter/
- River of Life Men’s Shelter*
- Emergency men’s shelter providing shelter, care and respect to homeless men in our community. Nobody will be turned away for lack of space. Check-in at 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily.
- 575 South 13th Street, Boise, ID 83702
- (208) 389-9840
- https://boiserm.org/facilities/river-of-life/
- *Please note this resource is Christian-affiliated
- Women & Children’s Alliance
- Provides shelter and supportive services to individuals impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault. Can offer direct services, internal and external community referrals.
- 720 West Washington St., Boise, ID 83702
- (208) 343-7025 (24/7 Crisis)
- (208) 343-3688 (General)
- http://www.wcaboise.org/
LGBTQ+
- The Community Center
- Safe and welcoming location for group meetings/activities for LBGT community. A good source for LGBTQ+ resources and affirming support. Volunteer-run.
- Hours limited due to COVID-19 – check website or call for information.
- 1088 N Orchard St.Boise, ID 83706
- (208) 336-3870
Mental Health
- Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline
- Volunteer-staffed hotline provides crisis intervention, emotional support, resource referrals, linkages to local services, and follow-up for all Idahoans, including those at risk for suicide and their families and loved ones. All calls are confidential and anonymous.
- 1 (208) 398-4357 (Call or Text)
- https://www.idahosuicideprevention.org/
- Pathways Crisis Center of Southwest Idaho
- Non-profit providing short-term crisis intervention, behavioral health services, detox assistance, and community linkage for men and women over 18. Free, safe, private, and voluntary. Must not present safety hazard to other clients, have attempted suicide in past 24 hours, or be non-ambulatory or incoherent. Walk-ins welcome.
- 7192 Potomac Drive, Boise, ID
- (208) 489-8311
- The Crisis Hotline
- 24/7 non-profit hotline provides confidential crisis intervention service, information, support and referrals. Also offers emotional outreach and educational programs that teach about the signs of suicide and proper crisis intervention, such as the “My Life Matters” Program geared toward the youth and sponsored within the local school system. Spanish and English available.
- (208) 788-3596 (English)
- (208) 578-4114 (Spanish)
- https://www.thecrisishotline.org/
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- FACES of Hope Victim’s Center
- Help for people affected by interpersonal violence. Crisis counseling, forensic examinations, safety planning, assistance seeking orders of protection, emergency assistance with food, shelter, and other necessities, and community referrals.
- 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
- (208) 577-4400
- https://www.facesofhopevictimcenter.org/
- Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition
- Offers direct services and referrals to victims of trafficking. Hotline services provide emergency telephone crisis intervention, advocacy, resources, and direct referral. Crisis intervention services include information, advocacy, validation of feelings, safety planning and empowerment to reinforce the individuals autonomy and self-determination. Also provides transportation assistance and ongoing advocacy.
- (208) 630-6601, press 9 (crisis)
- Women and Children’s Alliance
- Services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Provides a comprehensive and secure emergency and transitional shelter program, in confidential locations with round-the-clock staff assistance. Child care available. Services available to all genders. All services are free.
- 24-hour DV Hotline: (208) 343-7025
- 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline: (208) 345-7273 (RAPE)
- Non-emergency: (208) 343-3688
- TDD/TTY: (800) 377-3529
- http://www.wcaboise.org/
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
- FACES of Hope Victim’s Center
- Help for people affected by interpersonal violence, including child abuse. Crisis counseling, forensic examinations, safety planning, assistance seeking orders of protection, emergency assistance with food, shelter, and other necessities, and community referrals.
- 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
- (208) 577-4400
- https://www.facesofhopevictimcenter.org/
- Idaho Youth Ranch Hay’s House
- 24-hour shelter for runaway and homeless youth, including those who have been victims of violence or abuse. Age 9 – 18. 24-hour helpline for youth. services and referrals are also available to parents who need help addressing problems that disrupt a healthy home, including conflict, running away, homelessness, school problems, neglect or abandonment, poor communication, and illegal behavior.
- (208) 322-2308 (24/7)
- https://www.youthranch.org/hays-house
- JEM Friends*
- Helps youth aging out of foster care as they navigate their transition to independence. Provides transitional housing, life skills classes, and support.
- (208) 863-0222
- http://www.jemfriends.org/
- *Please note this resource is religious-affiliated
Elders
- FACES of Hope Victim’s Center
- Help for people affected by interpersonal violence, including elder abuse. Crisis counseling, forensic examinations, safety planning, assistance seeking orders of protection, emergency assistance with food, shelter, and other necessities, and community referrals.
- 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
- (208) 577-4400
- https://www.facesofhopevictimcenter.org/
- Southwest Idaho Area Agency on Aging
- Assist seniors, caregivers, and people with disabilities. Provides information and assistance, meal delivery, transportation assistance, an elders ombudsman service for reports of actual or suspected abuse or neglect, and legal services.
- (208) 898-7060 or (844) 850-2883
- https://www.a3ssa.com/
Crime
- Idaho Legal Aid
- Provides a range of legal services to people who have experienced legal violations or need help seeking protection. Provides free civil legal advice to victims of domestic violence and abuse, advice regarding housing issues, and COVID-19 issues on helplines. Indian Law Unit provides legal help focused on Idaho’s Indian Reservations. The Migrant Farmworker Law Unit provides services tailored to the needs of Idaho’s migrant population.
- Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- (208) 746-7541
- https://www.idaholegalaid.org/
Substances
- Allumbaugh House
- Provides medically-monitored detoxification through self-referral. Free services for people over 18 in Ada, Boise, Elmore or Valley Counties. Also provides mental health crisis services but only through outside referrals.
- (208) 377-9669 (leave a voicemail for intake)
- https://www.trhs.org/services/behavioral-health/allumbaugh-house/
- Idaho Harm Reduction Project
- A syringe service and overdose prevention program based in Boise, providing supplies and Narcan anywhere in the state. Also offers a found syringe hotline in the Treasure Valley. Also hosts community clean up events.
- (208) 991-4574 (Call or text for syringe pick-up or to request a clean-up event)
- IdahoHarmReductionProject.org
- Pathways Crisis Center of Southwest Idaho
- Non-profit providing short-term crisis intervention, behavioral health services, detox assistance, and community linkage for men and women over 18. Free, safe, private, and voluntary. Must not present safety hazard to other clients, have attempted suicide in past 24 hours, or be non-ambulatory or incoherent. Walk-ins welcome.
- 7192 Potomac Drive, Boise, ID
- (208) 489-8311
- http://www.pcccsi.com/
Additional resources can be found at Not911Boise, a site put together by a community member!
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Boise Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.