It’s both with pride and enthusiasm for the new year that I write to you today. This edition of HomeDelivery features Only in Alaska stories of partnership, resilience and opportunity.

When faced with the challenge of getting hundreds of millions of federal dollars to Alaska landlords whose tenants were impacted by the global pandemic, not only did our employees rise to the occasion but so did more than 100 temporary hires and non-profit service providers.

The result of this collaboration and the innovation of our team was recognized by the National Council of State Housing Agencies. The true measure of our success, however, is the 66,000 renters and their families who slept more easily last holiday season because they didn’t worry about losing the roof over their head. That included Robert, an Army veteran, who used the time and assistance to overcome significant personal obstacles, get his CDL and set himself up for a job that has him looking toward a future that includes stable retirement.

Providing Alaskans access to safe, quality, affordable housing is our mission and we’ve been working hard at it for more than 50 years.

In 2023, we’ll build off successes from the early 2000s and bring more residential energy efficiency opportunities to homeowners and renters. We’ll invest more money in affordable housing in communities statewide, and we’ll close out Congressionally-funded homeowner assistance that provided critical relief from the pandemic – another program that wouldn’t have delivered for Alaskans if it weren’t for our local lending partners like First Bank, Alaska USA and Northrim Bank. As of today, the delinquency rate on home loans throughout the state, including AHFC investments, is perhaps lower than it has ever been.

Want to learn more or join our team? Click through to learn more.

In gratitude and with well wishes for your new year,

Bryan

Working Together to Help Alaskans

Alaskans have a long history of working together to help our families, friends and neighbors. This year has demonstrated just how powerful collaboration can be as Alaska Housing has partnered with organizations across the state to provide Alaskans with access to safe, quality, affordable housing. 

Nonprofits such as the Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living in Fairbanks and The Glory Hall in Juneau were critical in helping individuals facing homelessness through Alaska Housing Stabilization and Recovery, as were landlords like Allyssa who supported tenants facing difficult financial situations.

Throughout the year, we collaborated with Alaska-based Mortgage Servicers to assist homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19. As a result, Alaska Housing Homeowner Assistance funds were often distributed more quickly than their national peers. 

We also work with partners to plan for the future and in October we celebrated the opening of Ch'bala Corners, a new affordable housing property in Anchorage that was funded through Alaska Housing's Greater Opportunities for Affordable Living program. 

We are grateful to all of our partners for their commitment to Alaskans. We look forward to continued collaboration in the year ahead.

Alaska Housing Programs Earn National Recognition 

When presented with the opportunity to distribute nearly $300 million in federal rental assistance to Alaskans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Alaska Housing used innovative thinking and collaboration to make it happen. As the program began to wind down, AHFC identified a chance to help one of Alaska's most vulnerable populations.

Recently, AHFC was recognized nationally for those efforts and its impact on Alaskans. 

Alaska Housing Rental Market Facing Challenges

The housing rental market has been volatile across the country due to a number of different factors, ranging from low inventory of available rentals to growing inflation. Alaska Housing’s annual rental market survey saw some general alignment with national trends, though they were not always consistent in every market across the state. 

Information Can Help Alaska Borrowers Save Money

Industry professionals can now access the most recent energy ratings available for single family homes that are for sale in Alaska. Alaska Multiple Listing Service has integrated its database of homes for sale with Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s Alaska Retrofit Information Systems database, commonly known as ARIS. 

Younger Generations Lead in Home Loans

The youngest generations now represent the majority of Alaskans seeking AHFC home loans. Those numbers are growing as members of Gen Z reach the homebuying age. Through September of this year there was a 38% increase from all of 2021 in the number of Gen Z primary borrowers.

Employee Spotlight | Meet Sammie

Nearly a decade ago, Sammie was an AHFC public housing tenant and struggling to make ends meet. She was able to take advantage of Alaska Housing resources that helped her get a new start. Today, Sammie is an Alaska Housing employee who works directly with individuals who are in similar situations that she once faced. 

“I knew that through my own life experiences I could make a difference and uniquely understand the circumstances of others,” Sammie says. “When I say, ‘I understand, I’ve been where you are,’ it’s actually true.”

Featured Lender: Cathy Johnson

Cathy Johnson is a Senior Loan Officer for Movement Mortgage in Juneau. 

“AHFC helped me buy my first home. I love using AHFC to help find the best program and interest rate to meet customers’ specific needs.”

See Our List of All Featured Lenders

Now Hiring! Job Openings at AHFC

Do you know someone with basic knowledge of heating, carpentry, painting, and other finish work who is looking for a job opportunity? Alaska Housing is hiring building maintenance workers in Anchorage, Juneau and Sitka.