What Makes a House a Home | 2022 Calendar Contest

Overview

Idaho Housing and Finance has created a scholarship opportunity for children who live in income-based housing or who participate in housing programs. Idaho youth in elementary school, middle school and high school are asked to submit an illustration and a description of "What Makes a House a Home". After the drawings are reviewed, one winner in each age category receives a $1,000 IDeal Scholarship funded by the Home Partnership Foundation. All entries submitted are entered into a random drawing for an iPad.

The gallery below displays the age group winners and finalists from the 2024 Calendar Contest.

“A house can be anything but it’s what and who makes a home feel like a cozy place, no matter how far. Family is Home.”

Oceanna, 12th grade

"A house is a building made with care, with a purpose to give us shelter. It’s a blank canvas where we create memories, fill with laughter, bond with those we love, and is a safe space for all. It’s a place we call home."

Nancy, 9th grade

"A house is a home because your family is with you on your Birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Without your family or friends it is not a home. "

Nathalie, 3rd grade

"A Family Together."

Joana, 1st grade

"I think what makes a house a home is my family, because my family is more important than toys or furniture or anything else you’d see when you walk into someone’s home."

Aurowyn, 4th grade, K-5 WINNER

"I believe that a house should have a dog. Then a loving family is next. Last a big backyard to play in. And that makes a house a home."

Sophia, 2nd grade

"Having a family. Playing with friends."

Liam, 4th grade

"What makes a house a home is a warm cabin by a lake, filled with love, laughter, and family. Home is hot chocolate by a fire with love all around you."

Paige, 7th grade

"Home is a place that always seems to greet you with a warm hug expanding your heart making home feel like Paradise!"

Peace, 9th grade, HIGH SCHOOL WINNER

"What makes a house a home is a family game night. I also love family movie night, too. My favorite is when we are all together."

Mercedes, 5th grade

"The world can be a cold place. A home is where you find your sense of being through memories, unconditional love, and togetherness. It is a warm and safe place where you can leave behind the outside world. "

Daisy, 8th grade, MIDDLE SCHOOL WINNER

"Lots of food, having my own bedroom, not sleeping in a car or a shelter, being with my siblings, having sleepovers, being a normal kid."

Arianna, 6th grade

"Love, laughter, and sharing memories together is what makes a house a home."

Peter, 2nd grade

"What makes a house a home is where everyone feels safe, comfortable, and important. It can be an alley, mansion, apartment, or boat. Sometimes it has a pet or a baby, even one person, as long as they are comfy, happy, safe and important."

Evelynn, 6th grade

If you are interested in participating in the 2025 Calendar Contest , contest details are listed below:

Date: Fall 2025

Eligibility

All children Kindergarten through 12^th grade living in income-based housing or participating in subsidized housing programs.

Age Categories

Elementary: K-5th grade
Middle School: 6-8th grade
High School: 9-12th grade

Prizes

All entries will be entered in a drawing for an iPad
12-14 drawings will be featured in the calendar
An IDEAL scholarship will be awarded to one winner in each age category:

Elementary: $1,000
Middle School: $1,000
High School: $1,000

Rules

Theme: What makes a house a home
One entry per eligible child in the household.
Designs must be landscape/horizontal
Size: Use template provided
Contestant must draw and color a picture of a home and write a description of, "what makes a house a home".
Contestant's name must be written on the template
Complete the application