POCATELLO – An annual fundraiser for a local homeless shelter will serve as a kick-off event for a larger campaign for the first time ever.

Aid for Friends, the only emergency shelter in Bannock County, will have its 19th annual Homeless Awareness Encampment on Dec. 6 to 7 at Caldwell Park. The event will launch the shelter’s fundraising efforts for the “Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge,” a statewide campaign that aims to raise funds for housing nonprofits.

This is the first year that Aid for Friends has joined the encampment with its Avenues for Hope fundraising efforts, which officials say is critical for the shelter.

“It’s going to keep our shelter doors open. It keeps the operations happening (and meets) the needs in our shelter,” said Shelter Director Tami Moore.

The encampment

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