Promise Ridge
Empowering Women. Supporting Families.
Promise Ridge is a shelter for women and their children experiencing a housing crisis. We give them a safe place to stay, a caring community, and real help finding a home of their own.
5
families stay with us at a time
25 & 46
women & children helped each year
60-90
days is a typical stay
13
families find permanent housing
Our Story
Promise Ridge opened in May 2018. At that time, Idaho Falls had shelters for men and shelters for women, but there was no place where a whole family could stay together. We opened our doors to change that.
Promise Ridge is located in the historic Minnie Hitt Home. Minnie Hitt built a name for herself in the banking world during the early days of Idaho Falls. She was a respected leader in the community, known for her sharp mind and her generosity. We are proud to care for this beautiful, historic home and carry her spirit forward.
Our shelter began with the vision of founder Peggy Sharp. Through her work at St. Vincent de Paul, she saw families in crisis and knew our community needed a place that could truly help them. Peggy passed away in 2022, and our team continues her mission every day.
We are proud to be a United Way Partner for 2026–2027.
The historic Minnie Hitt Home, built in 1903.
Minnie Hitt
Peggy saw Promise Ridge as one piece of the puzzle in the fight against family homelessness in Idaho Falls. She understood that homelessness is complicated and messy. It can come from generational poverty, mental illness, substance abuse, and so much more. At St. Vincent de Paul, she saw children living in cars or moving from couch to couch, and she wanted to give them a safe place to stay rather than just a hotel room for the night. Promise Ridge is that shelter from the storm. It is a short-term break from the stress of living without the basics.
How We Help
We can house 5 families at a time in a warm, family-focused home. Most families stay about 60 to 90 days while they work toward a place of their own. Our approach helps them find permanent housing quickly, without strings attached.
We Connect Families to Resources
We link families with local organizations and programs that can help them reach their housing goals.
We Support Women
Our team works alongside each woman as she overcomes challenges and moves toward a home of her own.
We Build Community
Families share meals, help care for the house, and support one another along the way.
We Teach Real-Life Skills
Families practice cooking, cleaning, and caring for a home. These skills help them feel ready and confident to live independently again.
Looking For More?
Statistics can be found here. Our brochure can be accessed here.
Voices From Our Home
"My stay at Promise Ridge was LIFE CHANGING! From the women I met, the struggles I shared, I was able to evaluate my family's needs vs wants. I was able to grow as an individual and as a mother. The Client Manager helped with housing options and guidance to help with past debt relief. I was able to get back home and help my family grow beyond belief."
"I Wouldn't have been able to make it on my own without the support of Promise Ridge."
Donate
It takes $375 per day to keep our shelter doors open. Every gift makes a difference.
Have a donation you want to drop off?
Use our drop box located on our porch at 288 N Ridge Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402.
Prefer to Make a Targeted Donation?
Shop our Amazon wishlist using the button below to purchase items we currently need.
6381 students
statewide lived couch surfing or doubled-up with friends or family during the 2024-2025 school year.
83%
of homeless students were part of the "hidden homeless" category, which is often missed in homelessness surveys.
Get Involved
Share your time to help our families and care for our home. Fill out our volunteer form to get started.
Join us for one of our upcoming events.
Avenues for Hope
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Dates: December 1 - 31
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Our biggest fundraising event of the year
Address
288 N Ridge Ave
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Phone
208-346-8320
