BONNER COUNTY IS MORE THAN JUST SANDPOINT In 2011, Sandpoint gained national recognition when Rand McNally and USA Today named it "America’s Most Beautiful Small Town." While this title brought pride to many, it wasn’t a surprise to the locals who already knew what the country would learn: Sandpoint is a special place. The recognition acknowledged more than just the town's stunning surroundings—its residents, their commitment to preserving its natural beauty, and the care taken to protect the town's character were key factors in earning that distinction. Sure, Sandpoint is blessed with stunning scenery and a unique blend of ski town and lakeside charm. However, we’ve all seen other beautiful places that haven't been as thoughtfully nurtured or protected—and those places rarely make, let alone top, such lists. Preserving a community’s beauty isn’t enough; it’s equally important to care for the people who call it home. The name “Sandpoint” carries significant weight and, in many ways, serves as the heartbeat of Bonner County. In fact, there are over 25 local Facebook groups dedicated to Sandpoint, while other towns in the county typically have just one or two. However, Bonner County itself is made up of many diverse communities. Bonner County includes eight cities, three census-designated areas, and nine unincorporated communities. Sandpoint, the county’s largest city, may be the most well-known, but it is by no means the only place where important work is happening. Bonner County is home to over 500 nonprofits , and nearly 41% of them are based outside of Sandpoint. The tiny town of Hope, in fact, has the most nonprofits per capita in the county. There are diverse needs across the county, and many of the challenges are felt most acutely in areas outside of Sandpoint. At the Community Resource EnVision Center, we witness firsthand the unique challenges faced by women, veterans, and the elderly—groups often disproportionately represented among our clients in crisis. In Bonner County, where the population is evenly split between men and women, areas like Dover stand out, with 58% of residents being female. Our county is also home to a large veteran population—11.3%, nearly double the national average of 6%. In places like Clark Fork, the number of veterans per capita is nearly twice that of Sandpoint. Additionally, communities like East Hope and Hope have a median age over 60, while other areas of the county are much younger. While we lack detailed data on all our clientele's origins across Northern Idaho, we know that residents of Clark Fork, Hope, and Priest River are in fact overrepresented, while those from Sandpoint and Sagle are underrepresented. Of course, the needs of our county are more nuanced than simple demographic breakdowns. There is a prevailing sentiment that much of our blue-collar workforce is being pushed out of Sandpoint due to rising costs—and there is certainly some truth to this. However, according to the Cost of Living calculator on BestPlaces.net, Sandpoint ranks somewhere in the middle when comparing the most expensive to least expensive cities in Bonner County. Hope tops the list, followed by Dover, with Ponderay being the most affordable. This is particularly concerning given the high number of elderly residents in Hope. If they are wealthier retirees, the impact may be less significant, but for generational locals, it could be a serious challenge. While violence and crime are often seen as urban issues, rural counties face their own significant challenges. The isolation and limited resources in rural areas can have a particularly harsh impact on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, women, and children. Many may not realize that, according to the Rural Health Information Hub and various studies, although violent crime rates are generally lower in rural areas, the rates of rape and murder are actually higher. Additionally, the National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect report found that rural children are nearly twice as likely to experience maltreatment—including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect—compared to their urban counterparts. While this disparity may partly be due to higher survey response rates in rural areas, it’s a critical issue that warrants attention. Bonner County, like many rural communities, is not exempt from these unique challenges. To help address some of these issues, Priest River Ministries Advocates for Women is making a significant impact outside of Sandpoint. This nonprofit provides essential services for women and children affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking. They offer guidance, support, advocacy, education, and shelter. With locations in Spirit Lake, Priest River, and Sandpoint, they provided 857 nights of emergency shelter in 2023 and housed 120 women and children in need. While Sandpoint may be the heartbeat of Bonner County, the challenges we face aren’t confined to this town, nor are the solutions. Nonprofit support exists throughout the county, addressing the diverse needs and issues in every corner. If Sandpoint is thriving but the rest of the county is struggling, we all fail as a community—and the same can be said the other way around. The Community Resource EnVision Center is dedicated to helping not only Sandpoint and Bonner County, but also neighboring Boundary County. We have two Rural Resource Specialists who connect with community members at libraries, food banks, senior centers, and low-income housing in Priest River, Bonners Ferry, and Clark Fork. By building meaningful relationships with individuals facing systemic challenges, we ensure that when a need arises, they know where to turn for support in reaching their full potential. As the old saying goes, 'You’re only as strong as your weakest link.' Let’s work together to ensure that Bonner County doesn’t have one.