Originally an advocacy group, Advocates for Real Community Housing (ARCH) was formed in 2005 by founder and current Board President Rebekah Helzel. The organization focused on educating policy makers, employers and the public at large about the need for affordable housing and the resulting problems if affordable housing is unavailable.

In 2007 we amended our bylaws and IRS application to become a Community Land Trust (CLT) with a view to actively acquire land and homes to ensure ongoing affordability. We are a member of the National CLT Network.

Also since 2007 we have been certified as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association. As a CHDO we are able to apply for Federal funding of affordable housing projects.