Boise Christian Homes exists to bring the Gospel message of love,
hope and purpose to at-risk youth, and to provide retired pastors,
missionaries, and Kingdom workers with housing in an active Christian
community.

Our History

In 1946 Arnold and Eva Kernan saw a need left by the Second world war, orphans. So, they founded the Christian Children’s Home in Boise, ID. It immediately filled to capacity and at the same time they had another dream that was an apparent need.

Ministers who when they retired had no home, (they had lived in parsonages) no retirement, and meager social security if any, missionaries who had to return to the U.S. with no means, Christian workers who had given a life of service who were literally left on the street.

In 1977 the Children’s Home moved to the Ranch setting, leaving 8.03 acres with houses on North 36th Street vacant. The homes were remodeled in to 26 one- and two-bedroom apartments there is a central dining hall on the property. Boise Christian Homes, Inc. had a dream, it came into being, a Children’s Home and a community for Senior Saints.

The Ranch property has since sold, and the funds are being reinvested into the 36th Street property’s redevelopment. We are hoping to almost triple our capacity and have opportunities for future youth programs.