The Nampa Housing Authority began accepting applications Monday for 120 new affordable housing units at the Harvest Creek apartments on 12th Avenue South, the first new affordable housing development in Canyon County in over four years and a project that housing officials say will barely dent the estimated 2,400-household waitlist for subsidized housing in the Nampa-Caldwell area. The development, funded through federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and a $3.2 million Idaho Housing and Finance Association grant, includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units reserved for households earning below 60% of the area median income.
For a family of four in Canyon County, 60% of area median income translates to approximately $46,800 annually — a threshold that includes many working families employed in food processing, agriculture, retail, and service industries that form the backbone of the county’s economy. Monthly rents at Harvest Creek will range from $650 for a one-bedroom to $950 for a three-bedroom — roughly 40-50% below market rates in Nampa.
The Affordable Housing Crisis in Canyon County
Canyon County’s affordable housing shortage has deepened significantly as market-rate rents and home prices have climbed beyond the reach of many working families. The average two-bedroom apartment in Nampa now rents for $1,400-1,500 per month, requiring a household income of approximately $56,000-60,000 to afford without being housing cost burdened. For the estimated 38% of Canyon County renters who spend more than 30% of their income on housing, every rent increase compounds an already precarious financial situation.
Nampa Housing Authority director Patricia Navarro said the 120 new units represent progress but acknowledged the scale of unmet need. “We have over 2,400 families on our waiting list, and the average wait time is now 18 months,” Navarro said. “These 120 units will help, but we need sustained investment at many times this level to meaningfully address the affordable housing gap in Canyon County.”
What the Development Includes
Harvest Creek was designed with input from prospective residents and community stakeholders. The 120 units are spread across six three-story buildings on a 6-acre site, with a community center, playground, computer lab with free internet access, on-site laundry facilities, and a management office. The development is located on a Valley Regional Transit bus route, providing residents with public transportation access to employment centers in Nampa, Caldwell, and Boise without requiring car ownership.
Energy-efficient construction — including enhanced insulation, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and LED lighting throughout — is designed to keep utility costs low for residents, further improving affordability. The development meets National Green Building Standard certification requirements.
Application Process and Eligibility
Applications are available online at nampahousing.org and in person at the Nampa Housing Authority office at 211 19th Avenue North. Applicants must provide proof of income, household composition, and residency status. Priority is given to Canyon County residents, veterans, households with children, and individuals with disabilities. The application period remains open until all units are filled; Navarro encouraged eligible families to apply immediately as demand is expected to be intense.
What Comes Next
Move-in is expected to begin August 1, 2026. The Nampa Housing Authority will host application assistance events at the Nampa Public Library on March 20 and April 3, where staff will help families complete applications and gather required documentation. For questions, contact the housing authority at 208-467-7319. For statewide housing policy coverage, visit Idaho News.