On this page:
Securing stable housing is a fundamental need. For many Alaskans, navigating the available housing assistance alaska programs can feel overwhelming. This resource provides clear, direct information on the full spectrum of support, from emergency shelter and rental subsidies to homeownership programs.
The primary agencies coordinating this aid are the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Alaska Department of Health (DOH). These agencies often work with local nonprofit partners. While this network can seem complex, the system is highly interconnected.
AHFC is the primary administrator for many federal HUD programs in Alaska, making it a central hub for assistance. It serves as a key starting point for individuals and families. Whether you are facing an immediate crisis, seeking affordable long-term rent, or dreaming of buying your own home, there are pathways and people ready to help.
| Agency/Service | Primary Function | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska 2-1-1 | Central point for all resource referrals | 2-1-1 or 800-478-2221 | alaska211.org |
| Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) | Administrator of rental/homeownership programs | 1-800-478-2432 | ahfc.us |
| HUD Approved Housing Counselors | Free advice on renting/buying/foreclosure | 800-569-4287 | hud.gov/counseling |
| Alaska DOH - Senior & Disabilities Services | Programs for seniors and people with disabilities | 907-269-3666 | health.alaska.gov |
| Veterans Affairs (VA) Homeless Programs | Housing support for veterans | 1-877-4AID-VET | va.gov/homeless |
For individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of losing their housing, or fleeing a dangerous situation, immediate help is available. The system is designed to provide rapid response through a network of referral services, specialized shelters, and prevention programs.
Alaska 2-1-1: Your First Call for Help
For anyone facing a housing crisis, the most critical first step is to contact Alaska 2-1-1. This free, confidential service is operated by United Way of Alaska and acts as a central information and referral hub for the entire state.
By calling 2-1-1 or 800-478-2221, you can connect with a trained specialist who will assess your situation and direct you to local resources. They have a database of services including emergency shelters, food banks, and rental assistance programs. Phone services are available on weekdays, and the online database at alaska211.org is accessible 24/7.
Emergency Shelter Options Across Alaska
Finding the Right Shelter
Alaska’s emergency shelter system is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a network of specialized providers targeting specific populations. Finding the right shelter depends on your circumstances.
Preventing Homelessness and Finding Stability
Homelessness Prevention Programs
Several programs focus on preventing eviction or helping people who have recently become homeless find stable housing quickly. These are often funded by state and federal grants and administered by local nonprofit partners.
Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) Coordinated by AHFC and partners, HAP provides funding to 36 nonprofit agencies across 16 communities. These partners use the funds for emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, and eviction prevention for all populations.
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program This HUD-funded program offers emergency financial assistance, like rental deposits and payments for rent arrears, to prevent homelessness. It is administered locally. To be eligible, households must be at imminent risk of homelessness with an income at or below 30% of the area median income. Access usually starts with a call to 2-1-1.
CHANGE Program Run by NeighborWorks Alaska, the "Communities Helping All Neighbors Gain Empowerment" program provides immediate emergency shelter assistance. This is followed by up to 12 months of rental assistance in a leased unit. It serves homeless individuals and families who meet AHFC's low-income requirements, aiming to transition them quickly into permanent housing.
For those seeking stable, long-term affordable housing, Alaska offers several rental assistance programs. The two primary options are renting a unit in a publicly owned building or receiving a voucher to help pay for rent in the private market. Eligibility is primarily based on household income relative to the Area Median Income (AMI), which varies by location and family size.
| Program Name | Primary Population | General Income Limit (as % of AMI) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) | Low-income families, elderly, disabled | ≤ 50% AMI | Tenant chooses private rental unit |
| AHFC-Owned Public Housing | Low-income families, elderly, disabled | ≤ 80% AMI | Rent in an AHFC-owned property |
| Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) | Disabled individuals at risk of homelessness | Low-income (varies, often ≤ 50% AMI) | Requires Sponsoring Agency for support services |
| Section 811 PRA | Disabled individuals transitioning from institutions | ≤ 30% AMI | Project-based voucher tied to a specific unit |
| First Home Limited (Homeownership) | First-time homebuyers | Varies by location (e.g., $129,000 for 1-2 people in Anchorage) | Lower interest rate mortgage |
Understanding Your Options
Public Housing vs. Vouchers
AHFC-Owned Public Housing AHFC owns and operates over 1,600 rental units in 13 communities. These include properties for families and dedicated buildings for seniors and persons with disabilities.
To qualify, a household's income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Tenants are usually responsible for their security deposit and utilities.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) This federal program, run by AHFC, helps Alaskans lease units from private landlords. Eligibility is typically for families with an income at or below 50% of the AMI.
With a voucher, the family pays about 30% of its adjusted gross income for rent, and AHFC pays the rest to the landlord. The voucher is "tenant-based," so the assistance can move with the family to another eligible unit.
The Application Process: Waiting Lists and What to Expect
Access to these rental programs is not immediate due to high demand. Applicants are placed on a waiting list. These lists are specific to each community and program type (e.g., the Anchorage Public Housing list is separate from the Fairbanks Housing Choice Voucher list).
Waiting lists are not always open. AHFC opens and closes them based on availability.
How to Apply
Pathways to Self-Sufficiency: Step and Jumpstart Programs
AHFC’s rental assistance is also a platform for economic advancement through the Step and Jumpstart programs.
The Step Program This program is for families in public housing or voucher programs with a work-able adult. It provides five years of housing assistance. After the first year, the family's rent contribution increases on a predictable schedule, regardless of income changes, helping them transition to market rent.
The Jumpstart Program A voluntary companion to Step, Jumpstart offers free case management, job training, and financial literacy education. It also includes financial incentives like tuition assistance and a savings match program to help families improve their earning potential.
Beyond the general rental programs, a range of specialized support is available for Alaskans with specific needs, such as seniors, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. Accessing these programs often requires working through a designated referral partner.
For Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) This program from AHFC and the Department of Health (DOH) is for low-income individuals with disabilities at risk of homelessness. It combines a rental voucher with intensive support services.
A key requirement is having a Sponsoring Agency to create a support plan and provide case management. If you need a Sponsoring Agency, you can ask a caseworker for a referral or contact the DOH.
Section 811 Project-Based Rental Assistance (PRA) This program targets extremely low-income individuals with disabilities (ages 18-62) leaving institutional settings. The rental assistance is "project-based," meaning it is tied to a specific unit and is not portable. A Sponsoring Agency is also required for this program.
AHFC Senior and Accessible Housing AHFC has dedicated apartment buildings in eight communities for Alaskans 62 or older and for individuals with disabilities. Eligibility requires an income at or below 80% of AMI. Applicants can request a "Reasonable Accommodation" to ensure equal access during the application process.
For Veterans and Their Families
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) The HUD-VASH program is the primary resource for veterans experiencing homelessness. It combines a HUD Housing Choice Voucher with case management and clinical services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The program uses a "Housing First" model, which prioritizes immediate housing without preconditions like sobriety.
To apply, veterans cannot go directly to AHFC. They must be referred by the Alaska VA Healthcare System (AVAHS). The process starts by contacting a VA medical center or calling the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET.
Tribal HUD-VASH This demonstration program serves American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans who are homeless or at risk of it. It follows the same model of pairing rental assistance with VA support services and is administered with tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs).
For Alaska Native and Tribal Communities
A robust network of Regional Housing Authorities provides housing services tailored to the needs of Alaska Native families. These include organizations like the Aleutian Housing Authority, Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority, and Bering Straits Regional Housing Authority. These authorities often administer their own housing programs and can be key partners in accessing federal resources.
For many Alaskans, the goal of stable housing includes owning a home. AHFC and its partners offer several programs designed to make this goal more attainable, particularly for first-time homebuyers.
Loan Programs for First-Time Homebuyers
In Alaska, a "first-time homebuyer" is generally someone who has not owned a primary residence in the last three years.
AHFC First Home Limited (Tax-Exempt Program - TEP) This program offers lower mortgage interest rates to eligible first-time homebuyers who meet specific income and purchase price limits. For instance, the 2025 income limit for a 1-2 person household in Anchorage is $129,000. Applicants must provide their last three years of federal tax returns.
AHFC First Home (Taxable Program) This program also offers a reduced interest rate but without the strict income or purchase price limits of the TEP. It's a good option for first-time buyers who may not qualify for the tax-exempt version.
Help with Down Payments and Closing Costs
One of the biggest hurdles to homeownership is the upfront cost. Several programs offer direct financial assistance.
Affordable Housing Enhanced Loan Program (AHELP) Through AHELP, AHFC partners with nonprofits to provide down payment and closing cost assistance. This aid can be a grant, a deferred-payment loan, or a forgivable loan. Key partners include Cook Inlet Lending Center, Alaska Community Development Corporation (ACDC), Interior Regional Housing Authority, and Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority.
Home Opportunity Program (HOP) Operated by ACDC outside of Anchorage, HOP provides a zero-interest loan up to $30,000 for low-income homebuyers. The first $10,000 is forgivable over five years if the buyer continues to own and occupy the home. The funds can cover a down payment and up to $3,000 in closing costs.
Other Federal Loan Options
These national loan programs are widely used in Alaska and can often be paired with AHFC assistance.
Housing assistance doesn't end at the point of purchase. Several programs are available to help current homeowners maintain their properties, improve accessibility, and manage high energy costs.
Home Repair and Accessibility Modifications
Senior Access Program (SAP) This grant program finances home modifications to improve accessibility for seniors 55 and older. It is open to homeowners and renters. Grant amounts vary, with owner-occupants eligible for up to $25,000 in some areas. The program is run by local nonprofits like ACDC and Rural CAP.
USDA Rural Development Homeowners in eligible rural areas can get Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants from the USDA. These funds can be used to repair, improve, or modernize homes.
Veterans Affairs The VA offers Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants to veterans with certain severe, service-connected disabilities. These grants help them buy, build, or modify a home to meet their needs.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Given Alaska's climate and high energy costs, state housing policy places a unique emphasis on energy efficiency. This focus creates direct financial opportunities for homeowners.
Available Energy Programs
Yes, if you have a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), you can choose your own rental unit in the private market. The property must meet health and safety standards and have a reasonable rent, but the assistance is tenant-based, giving you flexibility in where you live.
You are required to report any changes in household income or family composition to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) promptly. An increase in income may adjust your rent portion upwards, while a decrease could lower it, ensuring you continue to pay an affordable amount.
Yes, organizations like the USDA and RurAL CAP offer programs specifically for rural areas. These include special loans for purchasing or renovating homes, grants for water and wastewater systems, and the Mutual Self-Help Housing program, which helps families build their own homes with sweat equity.
Wait times for housing assistance in Alaska vary significantly by program and location, often lasting for years due to high demand. AHFC manages these lists and periodically opens them to new applicants. You can check the current status of all waiting lists directly on the AHFC website.
Yes, specific programs exist, primarily for Alaska Native or American Indian students enrolled full-time in post-secondary education. Organizations like the Aleutian Housing Authority offer aid for on-campus housing costs to eligible students who meet income and GPA requirements, helping to support their educational goals.
Your tenancy is protected under the Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act, which governs leases, security deposits, and eviction procedures. Additionally, federal Fair Housing laws prohibit discrimination. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can contact Alaska Legal Services Corporation for guidance.
While a low credit score is not an automatic disqualifier for rental assistance programs, a history of evictions or significant delinquent collections (excluding medical or student debt) may be considered during the screening process by housing authorities like Cook Inlet Housing Authority when they perform background checks.
Yes, for low-income families in Anchorage, RurAL CAP offers a Mobile Home Repair program. This grant-based assistance helps owners address critical health and safety issues, such as fixing heating systems or water heaters, to improve living conditions and preserve the home.
Tenant-based assistance, like a Housing Choice Voucher, is portable and moves with you to any qualifying rental. Project-based assistance is tied to a specific apartment unit. If you move out of a project-based unit, the subsidy typically stays behind for the next eligible tenant.
Generally, HUD rules prohibit renting from a parent, child, or other close relative with a Housing Choice Voucher. However, an exception may be granted by AHFC as a reasonable accommodation if it's necessary to house a family member who is a person with disabilities.
Facing overwhelming debt can feel isolating, but understanding your options is the first step toward financial freedom. This Trinity Debt Management review dives deep into their services, revealing how they aim to simplify your payments and reduce interest, potentially offering a much-needed path to a debt-free future.
When financial burdens weigh heavy, understanding your options is crucial. This guide unpacks the core differences between a Debt Management Plan and Debt Settlement, revealing how each path uniquely tackles your debt and empowers you to regain control of your financial future.
Unlocking opportunities and fueling innovation, grant money offers a powerful pathway to transform groundbreaking ideas into reality. Discover how securing these non-repayable funds can propel your projects forward and revolutionize your impact.