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Inside this Home Delivery:
1. Letter from CEO/Exec. Director, Bryan Butcher: Aging Alaskans
2. Veteran avoids homelessness and transitions to the next rank: Homeowner
3. In the news: Senior services and support
4. Millennials power national housing market; Alaska, too
5. Automated building monitoring system brings big savings
6. HUD awards more rental vouchers in Alaska
7. Featured Video: Chugach View gardens
8. Lender of the week:
9. HomeChoice homebuyer education: Class schedule
10. Educational opportunities
11. Design that works for all
Letter from the CEO
Aging Alaskans
Meet Terry. She is 73 years old and one of Alaska’s 83,000 seniors 65 and older.
Terry is fortunate to have found a safe and affordable home at Chugach View in Anchorage where she has planted her roots.
There are many of other seniors and veterans in Alaska struggling to find housing they can afford, and care they need.
Consider this: Alaska’s senior population increased by 44 percent from 2010 to 2016, twice the national average, according to Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
The trend is not slowing. By 2035, DOL projects the senior population age 65 and older to total 140,000, a 68 percent increase from 2017.
Changes in the demographic landscape don’t just put development of new housing under stress. It’s across the board, from healthcare to services our aging population wants and needs.
To fulfill the obligation to seniors and meet the increasing demand for housing, an all-hands-on-deck approach from state and local governments, for-profit entities and nonprofit organizations show the greatest promise for success.
Nowhere are partnerships better on display than by the Rasmuson Foundation, a recent recipient of HUD’s Philanthropist of the Year.
Rasmuson Foundation’s involvement was also critical to the Vista Rose development in the Mat-Su Valley, that had its grand opening Sept. 12. Thirty-six seniors will join Alaskans like Terry in having a safe and affordable place to live. That's worth celebrating.
Bryan Butcher
AHFC CEO/Executive Director
Veteran avoids homelessness and transitions to next rank: homeowner
After retiring from the Army with no support system nearby, Terry found himself on the verge of homelessness.
Through friends, Terry learned about the Veteran’s Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program. Shortly after, he applied.
“I would be on the street if it wasn’t for Alaska Housing and the ladies who have helped me through this process,” said Terry.
It’s been a long road but this Army veteran is looking forward to what comes next: homeowner.
In the news: Senior services and support
Being mindful of a growing population with increasing needs
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 10 percent of Alaska’s population is 65 years old. By 2035 that number is projected to double in size as the Baby Boomer generation ages.
With this growing population comes an increasing need for housing and support care services. These are needs that will most likely not be able to keep up with this rising trend.
“As more seniors stay in Alaska through the end of their lives, our communities must begin
thoughtfully and diligently expanding the care and support care services available for both elders and at end-of-life,” says Mischa Chernick, manager of communication and engagement at PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center.
Read more on this growing population from Alaska Business Monthly.
Millennials power national housing market; Alaska, too
It seems that everyone says millennials are staying away from buying homes but in fact, they are the biggest market nationwide and the same is true for Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. Read about millennials’ home-buying trends and how some are skipping the “starter home.”
Automated building monitoring system brings big savings
In 2013, AHFC developed a building monitoring project, BMON, to help identify energy savings opportunities.
First installed at AHFC headquarters, BMON led to energy cost savings of $12,024 in the first year, an 18 percent reduction. The system continually assists AHFC’s facilities director with additional energy efficiency choices, reduces maintenance and informs proper equipment sizing to peak demand.
“The development of the building monitoring system is one of the most interesting, useful and cost-efficient energy measures I have worked with in 25 years of working on building efficiency. A facilities manager can install it for pennies a square foot and find many dollars and hours saved by the end of year one,” said Scott Waterman, state energy program manager with AHFC and one of the original developers of the technology.
BMON’S high payback makes it a feasible project choice to realize savings when budgets are tight.
Questions? Contact Jimmy Ord at jord@ahfc.us.
HUD awards more rental vouchers for non-elderly with disabilities in Alaska
A recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will provide 50 additional rental vouchers to non-elderly persons with disabilities in Alaska. The funding allows AHFC to assist those who are transitioning out of institutional or other separated settings; at risk of institutionalization; homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, and enable them to live independently.
Read the full news release.
Betty's energy corner
Troubleshoot Home Maintenance with Your Favorite Search Engine
When my mammoth-sized projection TV died, I learned about the “green light of death,” a blinking green light that tells me my TV isn’t communicating correctly. When I couldn’t remember how to put up my pop-up tent, there was a YouTube video to remind me. When I couldn’t hook up a digital antenna to my TV, again, there was a YouTube video to walk me through the process. All this available information can be a gold mine, saving money and reducing stress.
Recently my front-load washing machine died. Of course, it happened at 7 p.m. on a Friday. I started weighing the cost of repairs versus the cost of replacing a washing machine that wasn’t even five years old.
Since there are no emergency repair shops for residential washing machines, I decided to search online for a remedy. Like magic, my search engine provided me with countless answers to my question, including YouTube videos.
The fix was to unplug the machine, hold down the “on” button for five seconds, then hold down the “start” button for five seconds, and then plug the washing machine back in. My machine instantly came to life and worked like nothing had ever happened. Better yet, the repair was FREE!
The Research Information Center, AHFC’s building science library, is sort of like Google when it comes to the amount of resources available to homeowners. You can find information on topics like energy efficiency, home maintenance, remodeling, building codes, the environment and much more. By using this AHFC resource, you can save some money and energy when it comes to your home needs.
Betty Hall, energy information specialist can be reached Monday-Friday at Alaska Housing's Research Information Center located at the Dan Fauske building, 4300 Boniface Pkwy, Anchorage, AK., or online at ahfc.us.
Featured Video:
Chugach View gardens
Terry, a senior living in Anchorage, has planted her roots at Chugach View where her garden flourishes.
Design that works for all
Universal design is the design of a living environment that is not dependent on someone's physical ability, strength, height or age as explained by the National Association of Home Builders. It is the creating or modification of living spaces that are suitable for everyone, from children to elderly. Improvements such as curbless shower entrances and pullout cabinet drawers are helpful for children as well as elderly Alaskans, as are safety features such as non-slip floors, levers to open doors and cabinets rather than knobs, and wider hallways and doorways. Put simply, it is intentionally planning houses and public spaces to offer the greatest accessibility and to meet the changing needs of those who live in them.
Universal design is for people with disabilities but it’s equally important for those who are growing older and need a space that allows for aging in place. According to Alaska Senior Citizen Commission the aging population is less interested in moving into senior living facilities, instead opting to stay in their homes, necessitating the need to reassess their homes and implement changes. Aging in place is a term used to describe a person living in the residence of their choice, for as long as they are able, as they age. This includes accommodating any services or support they might need over time as their needs change.
AHFC is offering to the public Universal Design (UD) and Certified Aging in Place specialist (CAPS I, II, and III) training during the week of Sept. 17-21, 2018 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a two-day UD class and three-day CAPS delivered in tandem at no cost to participants.
This training will benefit low-income housing providers and beneficiaries, social workers, property managers, discharge planners, case managers, home inspectors, community housing development organizations, health care professionals, construction professionals and housing authorities.
For additional information and to register for free, visit: training/technical assistance, call or email Oscar Cedano at 907-330-8417 or ocedano@ahfc.us.
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