A Look Back on 49 Years + Responding to COVID-19 with Housing Relief
By Bryan Butcher, CEO/Executive Director

Forty-nine years ago with wisdom from Alaska’s legislators and Governor William A. Egan, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation became an independent entity of the State of Alaska with a mission to provide Alaskans access to safe, quality and affordable housing. 

At the time, the Corporation’s role in mortgage financing was to provide an alternative to federally backed Government Sponsored Entities — GSEs like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. No one could have forecast the changes that would come through the decades or the role that AHFC would play in countless lives of Alaskans whether through residential energy efficiency, public housing or the variety of projects we’ve participated. 

One benefit of my job is that I often hear those in positions of influence say, “I got my first loan from AHFC!” The thrill of that never goes away. We know that homeownership is a significant contributor to individual wealth. We’re privileged to play a part. 

The challenge we face together as a community now is our collective response to the economic fallout of COVID-19. Our health providers and individual Alaskans deserve credit for the tremendous success we’re experiencing in keeping our transmission numbers at U.S. lows. As we begin our transition to a new normal at work, we must also remember that more than 103,000 Alaskans have so far filed for unemployment. These too, are our friends and neighbors. 

It's why I take pride in Governor Dunleavy and the legislature’s confidence in us to develop a program that will help those Alaskans who are struggling to pay for their rent or mortgage for a month. $10 million has been set aside for relief. We’ve worked hard to develop a system that would work for Alaskans regardless of their ability to access the internet and that is not first-come, first-serve.

AlaskaHousingRelief.org will help individuals determine whether their household qualifies for this one-time financial assistance that could mean up to $1,200 per household that will be paid to their landlord or mortgage servicer.

Please check it out, and share the website with your friends and neighbors.

Struggling to pay your rent or mortgage? Apply for up to $1,200

Do you know an Alaskan struggling to pay rent or mortgage because of COVID-19? 

AlaskaHousingRelief.org has been developed to help Alaskans determine whether their household qualifies for one-time financial assistance that could mean up to $1,200 per household, paid to their landlord or mortgage servicer. Restrictions apply, and the deadline to submit an application is Friday, June 26, 2020.

   Top Questions about Alaska Housing Relief 

Who is eligible?

Households whose income at the time of application is 80% or less of the median income for their respective area. Household income must have been reduced on or after March 11, 2020 and be directly related to COVID-19. See more at AlaskaHousingRelief.org. 

Click here to view the applicable income eligibility threshold for your community.

Is this housing relief limited to specific communities or regions?

No. This housing relief is available to Alaskans throughout the state.

What happens if the available funds run out before my number is selected?

All funds will be distributed according to determined in the statewide the lottery. If  funding is insufficient to assist all households that submitted applications, AHFC will send notification to the remaining lottery entrants once funds have been exhausted.

I have an AHFC-backed mortgage. Am I eligible?

Yes. All Alaskans who meet income restrictions caused by COVID-19 are eligible regardless of the investor in their mortgage. 

Betty's Energy Corner: Fire Preparedness Tips and Prevention

As we head into another potential summer fire season, there is always a real threat of wildfires. It's time to think about preparedness in the event of a wildfire. 

Prevention can go a long way to help reduce the number of wildfires in Alaska. Lightning, fireworks, and unattended camp fires may immediately come to mind as causes for wildfires, but according to the Alaska Division of Forestry, “Debris burning and the use of burn barrels are the leading cause of wildland fires in Alaska.”

Alaska Housing Turns 49

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation was born out of necessity.

Lack of affordable housing for low and moderate income Alaskans prompted the Legislature to pass what is now Alaska Statute 18.56.010, creating Alaska Housing.

Take Our Free Homebuyer Education Webinar

Looking for information about successful homeownership? Summer HomeChoice classes are in session and now offering 10 a.m. to noon classes in June.

HomeChoice is available now as a free webinar. The course totals six hours but it is split into three, two-hour increments. Since 1994 more than 60,000 Alaskans have taken the class.