The old expression “time flies” seems especially relevant as we recently reached two noteworthy milestones.

In early 2022, Alaska Housing launched two new programs with one unified purpose: to help Alaskans meet their housing needs. In both cases the programs required innovative approaches to complex issues. They needed partners from across the state to collaborate and share ideas, connect communities together and creatively solve problems.

One year later, those programs have made a difference for thousands of Alaskans.

The first began in February 2022 as an opportunity to help individuals facing homelessness find longer-term housing solutions. Alaska Housing Stabilization and Recovery utilizes federal funds to get people off the streets or out of shelters and into stabilized housing as quickly as possible. From there, navigators from our nonprofit partners work with clients to find a rental unit for a longer period of time.

In the year since Housing Stabilization and Recovery began, navigators enrolled more than 1,900 households in the program.

The second new program began in March 2022 with a different priority – keeping homeowners in their homes. Alaska Housing Homeowner Assistance was funded by U.S. Treasury to help homeowners facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic reduce mortgage delinquencies, forbearance and foreclosures.

Getting funds to homeowners quickly and accurately required close collaboration with Mortgage Servicers that drove innovative solutions. As a result, by the beginning of February 2023 nearly $33 million in assistance had been provided to 7,231 households.

These were truly Alaskan approaches to complex issues that were inspiring to see. I look forward to seeing what milestones we will reach together in the year ahead.

Bryan

Tax Saving Opportunities for Energy Efficiency

Homeowners thinking about making improvements to increase their home's energy efficiency may have new financial incentives to do so. As a result of recent changes to the tax law, homeowners may benefit from additional tax credits by making qualified energy efficiency improvements.

Applications to Open for Anchorage Voucher Waitlist

On April 1, Alaska Housing will begin accepting applications for placement on its Housing Choice Voucher waitlist in Anchorage. The Housing Choice Voucher program allows an eligible household to select a unit in the private market to rent, with AHFC paying a portion of the rent directly to the landlord.

The voucher jurisdiction is the Municipality of Anchorage and includes Girdwood, Eagle River, Eklutna and communities in between. The application period opens on Saturday, April 1, 2023 and closes on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Alaska time.

See You at the Home Shows

Spring is home show season in Alaska. The builder’s tradeshow offers opportunities to learn about the latest home improvement trends and ask questions of industry experts. Look for our booth at the home shows across the state and find out which Alaska Housing renovation and home loan options are right for you. We look forward to answering your questions and hearing about your renovation and housing needs!

• March 24-26, Interior Alaska Builders Association in Fairbanks
• March 24-25, Southern Southeast Alaska Building Industry Association in Ketchikan
• April 1-2, Anchorage Home Builders Association in Anchorage
• April 22-23, Kenai Peninsula Builders Association in Soldotna
• April 22-23, Mat-Su Home Builders Association in Wasilla

Get Ready for Education, Summer Camp Scholarships

Spring is getting closer, which means it’s time for Alaska Housing scholarship applications. Alaska Housing offers two scholarship opportunities for individuals who live in rental units owned by AHFC or have an AHFC housing voucher. 

The first is an Education Scholarship, which provides up to $2,500 to help residents meet career goals. Funds can be used for technical training or college tuition. The application period begins April 17, 2023 and ends May 31, 2023 at 5 p.m. Alaska time. Learn more about the AHFC Education Scholarship, including eligibility criteria and how to apply.

The second is the Youth Summer Camp and Activity Scholarship, which provides up to $500 for children to attend a summer camp, take part in an activity, or participate in a sport. The application period begins May 1, 2023 and closes June 30, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Alaska time. Learn more about the Youth Summer Camp and Activity Scholarship, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.

New Resources for Landlords

Alaska Housing now has a one-stop resource page for landlords and property managers on ahfc.us. There are links to legal resources, a housing locator to list available rental properties and a landlord toolkit, which offers information about topics ranging from making properties more energy efficient to tips for first-time landlords.

Employee Spotlight | Meet Chris

As Risk Manager for Alaska Housing, Chris Tillman plays a vital role in the organization's mission to provide safe, quality, affordable housing to Alaskans. It's a perfect fit for someone who “always had the feeling that I could help someone.”

“Knowing that all our employees will go home safe and sound, that’s something I find rewarding. It enables them to be out in the field serving Alaskans.”

Featured Lender: Missy Olson

Missy Olson is a Mortgage Loan Officer for Denali State Bank in Fairbanks.

“Alaska Housing knows how unique houses and circumstances can be with each buyer. AHFC helps me reach my goal in finding the perfect loan program for everyone who walks through my door.”

See Our List of All Featured Lenders

Now Hiring! Job Openings at AHFC

Do you know someone who is organized, a good communicator and works well with people? We’re hiring Housing Program Specialist II positions in Anchorage, Kodiak and Wasilla.