Homelessness in Alaska is a significant and complex issue, exacerbated by factors like the extreme climate, high cost of living, limited housing inventory, and unique challenges faced by Alaska Native communities due to historical trauma and systemic inequities. ### **ALASKA HOMELESSNESS: STATISTICS, CAUSES, AND RESOURCES** **I. Key Statistics and Demographics (Based on 2023 Point-In-Time (PIT) Count)** - **Total Persons Experiencing Homelessness (PEH):** The 2023 PIT count identified a record high of **2,614 individuals** experiencing homelessness in Alaska, both sheltered and unsheltered. - **Sheltered vs. Unsheltered:** - 1,764 individuals were utilizing Emergency Shelter. - 382 were in Transitional Housing. - 468 were unsheltered. - **Geographic Concentration:** A significant portion of the homeless population, **1,425 individuals**, were in the Anchorage Continuum of Care (CoC) region. - **Disproportionate Impact on Alaska Natives:** **44.1% of Alaska's PEH are American Indian/Alaska Native**, despite comprising only 15.2% of the state's population (2020 Census). This highlights a severe racial disparity within the homeless population. - **Contributing Factors:** - **Disabling Conditions:** 45.1% of PEH self-report a disabling condition. - **Domestic Violence:** 20.7% of the PEH population have a history of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children in Alaska. - **Poverty:** 16% of Alaskans live in poverty. - **Lack of Shelter Facilities:** As of 2016, 15 of Alaska's 29 census areas had no year-round emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, or permanent supportive housing facilities, particularly in rural areas. - **Housing Shortage and Affordability:** Alaska needs an estimated **27,500 housing units** over the next 10 years. The hourly wage necessary to afford a two-bedroom Fair Market Rate (FMR) in Alaska is $26.32, requiring a salary of $55,740 annually. At minimum wage, it would take 2.4 full-time jobs to afford a 2BR FMR. **II. Causes and Challenges** - **High Cost of Living:** Alaska generally has a higher cost of living, especially for housing, compared to the Lower 48. - **Limited Housing Inventory:** A severe shortage of affordable housing units contributes to the problem, making it difficult for low-income individuals and families to find stable housing. - **Mental Health and Substance Use Issues:** These are often co-occurring with homelessness, though it's important to note that homelessness can exacerbate these issues as well. - **Domestic Violence:** As noted in statistics, domestic violence is a significant driver of homelessness, particularly for women and children seeking safety. - **Lack of Services in Rural Areas:** Many rural and remote communities lack adequate shelters and support services, forcing individuals to migrate to urban centers or remain unsheltered in harsh conditions. - **Systemic Barriers:** Individuals transitioning from correctional facilities or hospitals often face significant barriers to housing and re-entry into society. - **Economic Instability:** Job loss, low wages, and economic downturns can push vulnerable individuals and families into homelessness. - **Disasters and Emergencies:** Natural disasters, while not as frequent in causing large-scale displacement, can disrupt housing stability in affected communities. **III. Key Homelessness Resources and Service Providers by Region** Many of these organizations work within a "Continuum of Care" (CoC) model, which aims to provide a comprehensive and coordinated range of services for individuals experiencing homelessness. **A. Statewide Resources:** 1. **2-1-1 Connects Alaska:** - **Call:** 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221 - **Website:** [https://www.211connectsalaska.org/](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.211connectsalaska.org/) - **Purpose:** A free, confidential information and referral service that can connect individuals to local homeless services, shelters, food assistance, and other support. 2. **Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC):** - **Purpose:** AHFC is a state public corporation that provides housing financing, rental assistance, and administers grants for homeless and supportive housing programs across Alaska. They work with non-profit partners to distribute funds. - **Homeless Assistance Program (HAP):** Provides funding for emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and eviction prevention. - **Website (Homeless Assistance Grants):** [https://www.ahfc.us/pros/homelessness/assistance-grants](https://www.ahfc.us/pros/homelessness/assistance-grants) - **Contact:** Jennifer Smerud, Service Program Lead (907) 330-8276 3. **RurAL CAP (Rural Alaska Community Action Program):** - **Purpose:** RurAL CAP is a statewide non-profit focusing on improving the quality of life in rural Alaska through housing, education, and community development. They offer homeless outreach, affordable housing, and supportive housing programs. - **Phone:** (907) 279-2511 - **Website:** [https://ruralcap.org/client-services/housing/](https://ruralcap.org/client-services/housing/) - **Services:** Includes specific shelters like the Bay Haven Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Shelter in Hooper Bay. 4. **The Salvation Army (Various locations across AK):** - **Purpose:** Provides emergency shelter, food, and social services. - **Services:** Emergency shelters, transitional living centers, and family service programs offering food, housing, and utility assistance. - **Website:** You can find local corps locations (e.g., Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau) on their national website by searching for "Alaska" or specific cities. **B. Anchorage Area Resources:** - **Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH):** - **Purpose:** A coordinating body for homeless services in Anchorage, working to end homelessness through collaboration, research, and advocacy. They manage the Coordinated Entry System. - **Services:** Provides information on shelters, outreach services, food assistance, and direct assistance for Coordinated Entry (the process to access housing and services). - **Phone (Coordinated Entry & general assistance):** (907) 312-9530 - **Website:** [https://www.aceh.org/anchorage-resources](https://www.aceh.org/anchorage-resources) - **Shelter List:** ACEH's website provides a printable list of Anchorage shelters with hours and important notes. - **Brother Francis Shelter (Catholic Social Services):** - **Purpose:** A low-barrier emergency shelter for adults experiencing homelessness in Anchorage. - **Location:** 1021 E. 3rd Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501 - **Phone:** (907) 277-1731 (Main Catholic Social Services) - **Website:** [https://www.cssalaska.org/our-programs/brother-francis-shelter/](https://www.cssalaska.org/our-programs/brother-francis-shelter/) - **Covenant House Alaska (CHAK):** - **Purpose:** Provides emergency shelter and support services to homeless and at-risk youth (ages 13-24) and human trafficking survivors. - **Services:** Emergency shelter, outreach, transitional housing, healthcare, education, employment services, and crisis intervention. - **Location:** Youth Engagement Center, 755 A Street, Anchorage, AK 99501 - **Phone:** (907) 272-1255 (24/7) - **Website:** [https://www.covenanthouse.org/homeless-shelters/anchorage-alaska](https://www.covenanthouse.org/homeless-shelters/anchorage-alaska) - **Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission:** - **Purpose:** A sober shelter providing emergency housing, food, fellowship, and job support for individuals in recovery. They are entirely supported by private donations. - **Location:** 2823 E Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK - **Phone:** (907) 563-5683 - **Website:** [https://www.anchoragerescue.org/](https://www.anchoragerescue.org/) - **NeighborWorks Alaska:** - **Purpose:** Provides supportive housing that combines affordable housing with wrap-around services for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness and those with disabilities. - **Phone:** (907) 677-8490 - **Website:** [https://nwalaska.org/permanent-supportive-housing](https://nwalaska.org/permanent-supportive-housing) **C. Fairbanks Area Resources:** - **Fairbanks HopeLink:** - **Purpose:** A low-barrier seasonal overnight warming center (typically open 10 PM to 7 AM during colder months). - **Location:** 659 5th Avenue (old firehall), Fairbanks, AK - **Website:** [https://www.fbxhopelink.org/](https://www.fbxhopelink.org/) - **Fairbanks Native Association (FNA) - Ralph Perdue Center & SOAP Basic Center:** - **Purpose:** FNA is a major provider of various social and health services for Alaska Natives, including substance abuse treatment and services for homeless youth. - **SOAP Basic Center:** Serves children aged 12-17 who are at high risk of or currently experiencing homelessness or have run away. Provides emergency housing, counseling, life skills, and case management. - **Phone:** (907) 452-6251 (FNA main number) - **Website (SOAP Basic Center):** [https://www.fairbanksnative.org/soap-basic-center/](https://www.fairbanksnative.org/soap-basic-center/) **D. Juneau Area Resources:** - **Juneau Housing First Coalition (formerly The Glory Hall):** - **Purpose:** A collaborative working to end homelessness through providing housing first and connecting residents to services. They operate Forget-Me-Not Manor (permanent supportive housing) and The Glory Hall emergency shelter. - **Phone (The Glory Hall):** (907) 586-4152 - **Website:** [https://homelessinjuneau.org/](https://homelessinjuneau.org/) **IV. How You Can Help** - **Donate to Local Shelters and Service Providers:** Financial contributions, clothing, and hygiene products are always needed. - **Volunteer:** Many organizations rely on volunteers for various tasks, from serving meals to providing administrative support. - **Advocate:** Support policies and initiatives that address affordable housing, mental health, substance use treatment, and systemic inequities. - **Support "Housing First" Initiatives:** Research shows that providing stable housing first, and then offering wrap-around services, is a highly effective approach to ending homelessness. If you are experiencing homelessness or know someone who is, the resources listed above are a starting point for finding help and support in Alaska. Here are several resources for homelessness support in Alaska, including shelters, food services, and other critical assistance: ### **1. Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC)** - **Purpose**: Provides affordable housing programs, including support for those facing homelessness. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 330-8300 - **Website**: [www.ahfc.us](https://www.ahfc.us) - **Services**: - Rental assistance programs for individuals and families at risk of homelessness. - Affordable housing options and resources for those experiencing homelessness. - Emergency housing programs for those in immediate need. --- ### **2. Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness** - **Purpose**: A coalition of local organizations working together to prevent and end homelessness in Anchorage through services, advocacy, and support. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 277-1446 - **Website**: [www.endhomelessnessak.org](http://www.endhomelessnessak.org) - **Services**: - Resources and referrals for emergency shelter, housing, and social services in Anchorage. - Outreach programs for individuals experiencing homelessness. - Homelessness prevention programs and financial assistance. --- ### **3. Brother Francis Shelter (Anchorage)** - **Purpose**: Provides shelter, meals, and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Anchorage. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 272-1255 - **Website**: [www.ccs-ak.org](https://www.ccs-ak.org) - **Services**: - Emergency shelter services for men, women, and families. - Meals, case management, and mental health support. - Support services to help individuals transition from homelessness to stable housing. --- ### **4. Clare House (Anchorage)** - **Purpose**: Provides emergency shelter and support services for women and children experiencing homelessness. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 272-0822 - **Website**: [www.ccs-ak.org](https://www.ccs-ak.org) - **Services**: - Shelter for women and children, with an emphasis on safety and support. - Case management, counseling, and referral services for housing and employment. - On-site resources such as meals, clothing, and hygiene supplies. --- ### **5. Covenant House Alaska (Anchorage)** - **Purpose**: Offers shelter, food, and services for homeless youth, including those facing abuse or neglect. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 272-1255 - **Website**: [www.covenanthouseak.org](https://www.covenanthouseak.org) - **Services**: - Emergency shelter for youth aged 13-24. - Drop-in center for homeless young people to access food, showers, and basic needs. - Programs aimed at helping youth transition to stable housing and employment. --- ### **6. Rural Cap Homelessness Services (Statewide)** - **Purpose**: Provides homelessness prevention and housing services to residents across rural Alaska. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 222-3119 - **Website**: [www.ruralcap.org](http://www.ruralcap.org) - **Services**: - Emergency shelter and short-term housing assistance in rural communities. - Homelessness prevention, housing stabilization programs, and eviction prevention. - Support for individuals facing homelessness in both urban and remote areas. --- ### **7. The Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness** - **Purpose**: A statewide organization that advocates for housing policies and services for homeless individuals and those at risk. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 522-4131 - **Website**: [www.akhomeless.org](http://www.akhomeless.org) - **Services**: - Advocacy and policy work focused on improving housing and homelessness services in Alaska. - Resources and information on housing and homelessness programs statewide. - Training and technical assistance for service providers working with homeless individuals. --- ### **8. 211 Alaska** - **Purpose**: A statewide resource directory offering information about housing assistance, shelters, and social services for people experiencing homelessness. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 2-1-1 (local) or 1-800-478-2221 (outside Alaska) - **Website**: [www.alaska211.org](https://www.alaska211.org) - **Services**: - Comprehensive directory of local homelessness services across Alaska. - Information on shelters, food assistance, and housing programs. - Referrals for emergency services and long-term solutions for homelessness. --- ### **9. Homelessness Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing Program (Statewide)** - **Purpose**: Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this program provides short-term financial assistance to prevent homelessness and help people quickly regain housing. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 269-4600 (Alaska Housing Finance Corporation) - **Website**: [www.ahfc.us](https://www.ahfc.us) - **Services**: - Emergency rental assistance and homelessness prevention funding. - Case management services to help individuals transition out of homelessness. - Resources for those at risk of eviction or housing instability. --- ### **10. Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (AMHTA)** - **Purpose**: Provides funding for homelessness services, including support for individuals with mental health or substance use disorders experiencing homelessness. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 269-7977 - **Website**: [www.mhtrust.org](https://www.mhtrust.org) - **Services**: - Grant funding for programs that address homelessness in Alaska. - Mental health services and support for homeless individuals with behavioral health needs. - Collaboration with local agencies to improve services for people with co-occurring mental health and housing issues. --- ### **11. The Salvation Army (Anchorage and statewide)** - **Purpose**: Offers shelter, food, and support services to homeless individuals and families across Alaska, with a focus on rebuilding lives. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 276-3741 (Anchorage) - **Website**: [www.salvationarmy.org](https://www.salvationarmy.org) - **Services**: - Emergency shelters and overnight accommodations. - Meals, case management, and counseling services for individuals and families. - Assistance with housing applications, job searches, and long-term stability. --- ### **12. Aiding Women in Abuse & Rape Emergencies (AWARE) (Southeast Alaska)** - **Purpose**: Provides shelter and support services for women and children, including those who are homeless due to domestic violence or abuse. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 586-6623 (Juneau) - **Website**: [www.awareak.org](https://www.awareak.org) - **Services**: - Emergency shelter for women and children, including housing for those fleeing domestic violence. - Case management and support for women experiencing homelessness due to abuse or trauma. - Advocacy services for finding long-term housing and overcoming barriers to stability. --- These resources provide a variety of services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Alaska, from emergency shelters and food programs to housing assistance and case management. If you or someone you know is facing homelessness, these organizations can help connect you with the support you need to regain stability.