In 2015 funding through the Teacher Housing, Health and Public Safety Professional Program was awarded to renovate a mixed-use facility for health care workers above a dental clinic in Wrangell. The renovations were completed earlier this year.

The Front Street facility is owned by Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium. The first floor houses a dental clinic that was previously renovated with funds through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Teacher Housing, Health and Public Safety Professional Program funding was subsequently awarded to renovate upstairs space into three rental units for healthcare professionals. All units contain full kitchens, bathrooms and living space.

The program was created in 2004 to reduce recruitment and turnover costs for professionals in rural Alaska. This program is jointly funded through the Rasmuson Foundation and AHFC.  Since the program’s inception, 443 new units for rural housing professionals have been funded through 107 properties across the State.

Daniel Delfino is the director of planning and program development.

Winter comes early in Fairbanks and homeless or at-risk of being homeless veterans lined up for assistance at the annual Stand Down event for Veterans in Need. The event, organized by the Department of Veterans Affairs and local volunteers, provided housing assistance, clothing, medical, dental legal services as well as hot breakfast and lunch. Staff from the Fairbanks office of AHFC assisted veterans with completing housing applications, handing out information, referrals, backpacks and oranges. 

Deb Wartes is a member of the public housing team in Fairbanks.

The Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program is a referral-based, rental assistance program designed to meet the housing needs of homeless veterans and their families. This month, 271 veterans received services and supports in five communities around the state.

This fall AHFC's Research and Rural Energy Department will be offering new classes for homeowners and building professionals. Free classes are designed to empower attendees with knowledge to make smart, informed decisions when making home upgrades or improving home comfort. Packed with Alaska specific home improvement tips and techniques, classes are perfect for do-it-yourself or those looking to oversee their home improvement projects. Course material is relevant for attendees whether first-time homebuyers or long-term owners. Many classes are offered as online webinars allowing participation from all corners of Alaska. Look for more information at ahfc.us.

The AHFC Board of Directors spent two days in Fairbanks learning firsthand about the needs of the community and visiting housing available to military families, seniors and low-income families.

Board members and AHFC staff visited Fort Wainwright and took a tour of base housing that was newly built or recently renovated. Board members also hosted a community reception and met with residents at Raven Landing Senior Community over lunch.

Fairbanks is assessing housing needs in anticipation of an increase in military personnel and families who will be stationed Eielson Air Force Base as part of two additional F-35 aircraft squadrons. Under the guidance of Chairman Brent LaValley, a resident of Fairbanks, AHFC continues to provide financing, senior and public housing and weatherization support to meet the needs of the community.