Alaska Cares
By Catherine Stone, Director of Public Housing

While the New Year is a time of both reflection and reset, February is the time for love. There is no doubt the past year was challenging but in true Alaska fashion, our communities came together with care and compassion to tackle the impacts of the pandemic. I am truly thankful for our partners, landlords, tenants, and neighbors who worked together to keep Alaskans safely housed.

Work continues with housing relief, and new programs are being developed that put the people of our great state first. If you're a landlord looking for a steady stream of income beyond Alaska Housing Rent Relief, connect with my office. Congratulations to new Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority CEO, Steve Williams, who will further the organization’s mission to improve the lives of Trust beneficiaries today and in the future.

While spring is on the horizon, we are still in the grasp of winter when safe ventilation is a priority. One key element? A working carbon monoxide detector; there should be one on every level of a home. Learn about its use and placement, as well as key energy saving tips here.

There are bright days ahead!

A legacy to end homelessness: Remembering Ed Rasmuson

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Ed Rasmuson last month.

Every day our staff come to work prepared to do the job of providing Alaskans access to safe, quality affordable housing – whether that work include education for first-time homebuyers, improving indoor air quality through weatherization or administering any number of federally funded programs aimed at improving lives of Alaskans. Here in Anchorage, it is Ed Rasmuson who put a focus on addressing homelessness in the community.

Ed noticed too many people on our streets on the coldest days of winter. Ed wanted to make a change and through personal contributions from Rasmuson Foundation and others he engaged, the business community made a $40 million public commitment to “turn the corner on homelessness,” marking the most significant private investment to address homelessness ever in Alaska. Much work has been done since that 2019 announcement and I’m pleased that last week our Planning Department announced the award of federal tax credits and grants that will help Providence Alaska and Cook Inlet Housing Authority to develop new permanent supportive housing in Anchorage, as well as projects with Rasmuson Foundation support in Nome and Bethel.

There’s still a long way to go but thanks to the compassion of one man, a clear vision and a big heart, our community is improved. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and thank all those who work to fulfill the legacy of the greatest philanthropist I’ve ever known.

Bryan Butcher
CEO/Executive Director

Photo by Kyle Seago, Magnetic North: The Alaskan Character. Ed Rasmuson at Anchorage Museum, Rasmuson Wing, Art of the North Galleries. Rasmuson was the driving force behind Art of the North Galleries, a dedicated space for historical and contemporary depictions of the North’s land and people. 

Mortgage Help for Alaska Homeowners

Are you an Alaska homeowner experiencing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic? You are not alone and there may be assistance available. 

Pre-registration for Alaska Housing Homeowner Assistance opens on February 28, 2022. Click the link to learn more, review important dates, and access FAQs. 

Teamwork Multiplies Success  

It’s been quite a year for Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. While the pandemic was a major area of focus, other key programs and department developments moved forward, and cumulatively check a remarkable effort.

Reliable Rental Income for Landlords  

Are you an Alaska landlord looking for reliable income from your rental properties? Reduce the risk of non-payment of rent, while helping Alaskans secure quality housing. Enroll as a participating landlord in the Housing Choice Voucher program. 

Click here to receive a FREE landlord calendar. Quantities limited.

Meet Sandra Palmer

This month, Sandra Palmer in AHFC’s Executive Office celebrates a very special day on February 18 — Rita Pitka Blumenstein Day. Learn about Sandra's mother Rita, and how her basket weaving and skin sewing found its way to the White House Christmas tree.

FREE Energy Efficiency Training for Facility Managers

Learn how our building monitoring technology can save you money here. Sign up here for future classes, like this one that’s scheduled in Juneau next week.

• FREE, open-source, wireless web application
• Identify cost-savings for critical equipment
• FREE sensor kit provided to all participants

Public Housing Management Specialist I — Anchorage

Looking for a great place to work? Know someone looking for a new opportunity? Duties include gathering and evaluating operating methods, providing technical support, training staff, maintaining client documentation, and more. Apply today or share with others!

Featured Lender: Joyce Cummings

Joyce Cummings is a Mortgage Originator with First Bank in Petersburg. 

“My customers range from the excited first-time homebuyers to seasoned homebuying professionals and Alaska Housing has programs to fit them all." said Cummings.

See Our List of All Featured Lenders

Alaska Housing Rent Relief Update

More than 66,000 individuals in Alaska have received the benefit of federal rent relief. 

Alaska Housing's partners have paid landlords and utility companies more than $240 million.  

See more at AHFC’s dashboard. It's updated online every Friday.

Did you know?

When rural school districts began to experience high teacher turnover in the ‘90s, AHFC built a reason for teachers to stay — safe and clean places for them to live. “If teachers are worried about freezing pipes, we can’t worry about our students,” said Erin Schalk, director, second education in the Lower Kuskokwim School District. Learn how AHFC partnered with the Denali Commission to help build close to 500 units with more than $96 million in grants.

Upcoming HomeChoice Classes

Take our FREE homebuyer education course. The class walks prospective homebuyers through the decisions and steps of buying a home, and provides money saving tips about things like closing costs.