It is that time of year again when the days get shorter and the nights get longer and colder. Living in Alaska we realize there is no better place to stay warm and dry than at home. That is why the AHFC Public Housing Division is pleased to provide more than 13,000 Alaskans families with a warm and safe home in 16 locations across the state. We do this through two distinct programs:

Our Housing Choice Voucher program provides almost 5,000 vouchers to low income Alaskans. Qualified families are able to find a unit that meets their needs and rent from a private landlord. AHFC then subsidizes that rent directly to the landlord. In this program AHFC is able to put $30 million each year into private landlords hands. If you are one of these landlords, thank you for your participation and for partnering with us to provide our families with a place to call home. 

AHFC also provides housing in our Public Housing Program. Here, we own and maintain more than 1,600 units which provide housing to qualified residents. Following our commitment to be good neighbors and to keep our units well maintained we have recently added three maintenance staff positions that will work as a road crew. This group will go out to deal with both extraordinary maintenance as well as smaller construction projects. 

The Public Housing Division is looking forward to an excellent 2015 and a chance to continue to serve Alaska’s housing needs. 

Thank you for your trust and cooperation with all our programs.

Cathy Stone
Director, Public Housing
 

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation offers several classes for Real Estate and industry professionals to get up to date information about the organization and programs while receiving continuing education credits.
 

• Renovation Options
  One hour
  This class is designed to educate and explain various renovation loan options available through AHFC in light of a growing aging population and aging housing stock.
  *CEU's available for real estate licensees only
   
• Benefits of AHFC
  One hour
  This class explains common benefits available for buyers utilizing AHFC loan products and highlights three specific programs:  Assistance Provider Interest Rate Reduction, Closing Costs Assistance Program and Purchase Renovations.
  *CEU's available for real estate licensees only
   
• HomeChoice
  Eight hours
  Designed for the first time homebuyer, this class takes participants through the homebuying process and into different loan programs that are available.
  *CEU's available for real estate licensees only
   
• Consumer Energy Classes
  Two hours
  From lightning and applicances to air leakages, these classes will teach participants how to improve on energy features in and around the home. Fees may apply for continuing education credits.
  *CEU's available for industry professionals

For more information about the Renovation Options & Benefits of AHFC classes, contact Jim McCall at 330-8436 or jmccall@ahfc.us

For a schedule of the HomeChoice and Consumer Energy Classes, click HERE.

As the winter months approach, the first measure of protection for a home against snow is the roof. Follow this simple checklist to ensure your roof will withstand winter elements.

1. Start by checking the roof framing structure to make sure it is not compromised.  Visually scan the roof for any sagging or uneven areas. If you do see an area that looks uneven, this may mean damage to the roof deck below the shingles.

2. Inspect the gutter systems to make sure they are not clogged with branches, leaves or other debris. This is important to ensure that rain water and snow have a way off of the roof. If water or snow is left standing on the roof, there is an increased likelihood of leaking or ice damming.

3. Make sure that gutters are fastened properly and are tight and secure so that they don’t cause overflow and build-up or fall off the fascia board. Leaking water can cause damage not just to your roof but also to your interior walls.

4. Check the valleys of the roof to ensure that they are also free and clear of debris which can add weight to the roof and also act as a barrier to rain and snow. Leaks frequently occur in the valleys so make sure they are well protected by a proper roofing system.

5. One of the most common causes for roofing leaks is due to problems with flashing. Flashing is the aluminum or metal material that is used in roof to wall transitions over joints to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage. Metal flashing should also be used around roof vents, pipes, skylights, and chimneys. Remember that flashings can be loosened or torn by high winds and heavy rains, so inspect the areas annually.

6. Check ceiling and interior walls for signs of leaks (stains). Take the time to seal all roof leaks possible before the weather gets too bad.

7. Lastly, you should walk around to carefully inspect the shingles on the roof – look for curling edges, missing granules, and certainly for missing shingles or damage from birds, rodents or squirrels.

By inspecting your roof at least twice a year—before the winter months begin and after they end—you’ll be able to spot and correct any potential problems before they could get severe and cause you to have to replace the entire roof.

The Empowering Choice Housing Program, a part of the Choose Respect initiative, provides referral-based rental assistance for up to 250 survivor families a year, most of whom are families with very low income. Since the program launched in November 2012, 81 percent of beneficiaries earn a household income of less than 30 percent of median income, on average $14,623 a year. At 72 percent, women who are heads of household with children make up the majority of supported families. Overall, 46 percent of these families are supported by welfare.

“The program provides critical support to survivors, an option to separate while not having to worry about the most basic life necessity -- shelter,” said AHFC CEO/Executive Director Bryan Butcher. “Having a secure place to stay offers survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault the opportunity to put a plan in place that allows them and their children to live free from harm.”

AHFC partnered with Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and  Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault to develop the Empowering Choice Housing Program. Families enter the program through referral from their local domestic violence or sexual assault support program to qualify.
Families are eligible to receive the rental assistance for up to 36 months. Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are encouraged to visit our website for statewide contact numbers and for information on how to apply.