Nonprofit Spotlight

JACKSON HOLE COMMUNITY HOUSING TRUST

Finding sustainable and affordable housing has long been a problem for Jackson residents. In 1992, the Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust started working to find solutions to the community’s housing crisis. The Housing Trust works to help people find stable and affordable housing through collaboration, innovation, and stewardship.

The organization has provided housing for over 350 people so far through a number of different projects and programs. One of the organization’s most recent endeavors is the Redmond Street Rentals project, which is a collaboration with the Town of Jackson and Jackson/Teton County Housing Authority. This project will provide deed-restricted rental properties to 55 people. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2018. HousingTrustJH.org

RENDEZVOUS PARK (R PARK)

Nestled on the banks of the Snake River, R Park is a 40-acre public space that community members have enjoyed for over three years. The spot used to house a quarry and heavy machinery, but the Jackson Hole Land Trust used donations to purchase the property and open it up for public use. In 2016 alone, over 8,000 people used the space to interact with nature.

Since its opening in 2014, R Park has restored 15 acres of wildlife habit and planted nearly 500 trees and shrubs. A variety of wildlife, including elk and moose, can often be seen in the area.

In winter, people sled and snowshoe in the park, and summer welcomes a variety of activities, from swimming and kayaking to biking and picnicking. Kids can even fish in the pond or participate in the Junior Ranger program. RPark.org

HAPI TRAILS

The Teton Valley, Idaho-based HAPI Trails program works to find homes for horses that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. The all-volunteer organization works to find foster and permanent homes for the animals, and it also works to help owners in need of assistance.

The organization was created in 2009 after the economic recession began and people struggled to care for their horses. Currently, the organization cares for about 16 horses at a time with a handful of others in foster care. While some are suitable for riding, others are better as companion horses.

In addition to finding foster and permanent homes for the animals, the group also works to help owners who want to keep their horses but are struggling due to physical or financial difficulties. The program helps these owners with hay, veterinary and farrier care, temporary horse housing, as well as transportation when needed. HAPITrails.org