Each year, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors gathers for an annual meeting in a different Alaska community. It's a valuable opportunity to see first-hand the unique housing needs, challenges and priorities facing Alaskans across the state.

In August we traveled to Wrangell to hear from community leaders, residents and Alaska Housing employees. At the top of my list was a meeting with former board chair Frank Roppel, who served on the board in the 1970s-80s and a second term that started in 2003.

Frank emphasized how important it is for members of our board and staff to see rural Alaska. Without visits outside of Anchorage, he said, programs like the Rural Professional Housing program that has since built 500 units might not exist.

We also visited our public housing property, Etolin Heights, and visited with our staff who consistently get high marks for their management and upkeep from HUD. That maintenance effort is led by Penny Allen who started with the corporation as a student long before she became a full-time employee. Penny is a terrific reminder that you never know where life’s twists and turns will take you but in a community like Wrangell, the road sometimes leads back home.

In that spirit, AHFC remains committed to working collaboratively to address Alaskans' housing needs with efforts specifically targeted at rural areas including:

• Statewide, we have 32 communities that have active housing development programs. Of those, 24 meet Alaska Housing's small communities definition.
• Our Public Housing Department serves 16 communities. Of those, 10 have populations of 6,100 or less.
• AHFC offers loans specifically for purchasing or renovating owner-occupied homes in small communities. In advance of our trip to Wrangell we looked at our mortgage portfolio and in that community, 88% of the homes with an AHFC mortgage participate in our rural owner-occupied program.  

I am grateful for these reminders, the hospitality offered by our hosts in Wrangell, and all of our employees and partners statewide as we work together to advance our mission. 

— Bryan

Employee Spotlight | Meet Michael

Working in AHFC’s department of Research and Rural Development, Energy Program Manager Michael Spencer enjoys the variety of projects his work encompasses. Michael's team focuses on education, energy ratings, building codes and building monitoring systems for commercial buildings.

“Basically, we have the energy efficiency of the built environment in Alaska covered,” he said.

Scholarships Help Alaskans Reach Career Goals

For 23 years, Alaska Housing has awarded education scholarships to assist individuals as they enhance their employment skills and work toward financial self-sufficiency. 

Taghreed, one of 11 scholarship recipients in 2023, is an example of the exceptional students who utilize AHFC’s education scholarships to improve their future opportunities.

Featured Lender: Nancy Hudson

Nancy Hudson is a Senior Loan Officer at Cornerstone Home Lending in Juneau.

"I love the fact if you are having an issue on a home or with a buyer getting approved, you can call Alaska Housing to talk over the situation, which often gets our loan approved. Their stable interest rates and helpful programs make Alaska Housing the perfect partner."

See Our List of Featured Lenders

Lakesha | A Network of Support for Alaskans

A public housing resident in Fairbanks, Lakesha has reframed the word “can’t” for her children. In their home, “can’t” is an acronym for “Can Always Navigate Through.” Lakesha has navigated significant challenges in her life and has found a network of support in Alaska Housing. 

“Most people do not understand that there’s more to this program than just a roof over your head. They are literally applying for support. They are applying for resources. No, you’re not applying for a handout. You are applying for someone, a team, to say ‘I’ve got your back.’”

Enhancing Home Value Through Energy Efficiency

Making energy efficiency upgrades to your home can save you money on utility costs, however the benefits might not end there.

Improving your home's energy efficiency may also enhance its value to potential buyers down the road. 

Educating and Empowering Alaska Homebuyers

HomeChoice™, one of Alaska Housing’s no-cost homebuyer education classes, has a long history of helping prospective homebuyers better understand the process of purchasing a home. 

The class is now available again for in-person learning in Anchorage, as well as in an online webinar format for those outside of Anchorage or for students who prefer to attend from home.

Alaska Housing is Hiring

We regularly share stories highlighting the incredible work our employees perform. Regardless of their department or role, AHFC employees see how their efforts contribute to our shared mission to provide Alaskans access to safe, quality, affordable housing. 

If you identify with our mission, join our team. We are currently hiring for positions across the state.

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