Alaska Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Alaska.
Quick Facts
- State Population: 732,000
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 2,686 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024)
- State Homeless Assistance Funding: Various state and federal funding programs through Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
- Major Urban Centers: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau
- Primary Challenges: Extreme climate conditions, remote communities with limited services, high cost of living
Emergency Contact Numbers
Alaska 2-1-1
Dial 211
Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm (Closed 12-1pm)
Housing Assistance
(907) 330-8432
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Mental Health Support
(877) 266-4357
Available 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233
Available 24/7
Success Stories from Alaska
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Alaska:
Mary's Journey
Mary, a mother of four, was one of the first residents to move into Juneau's Forget-Me-Not Manor about seven years ago when she was experiencing homelessness. Prior to that, she had been camping outside when she started experiencing health problems.
"You can't take care of your health when you're worrying about where you're going to sleep or if your stuff is going to be there when you get back. Here, I can lock my door and know I'm safe."
With help from the facility staff, who arranged transportation to medical appointments and reminded Mary to take her medications, Mary was able to care for her health while pursuing sobriety. Now, she no longer needs to see a cardiologist and can manage her heart condition independently. Mary has accomplished a lot since moving into Forget-Me-Not Manor. She has a job, a driver's license, and pays rent regularly. With these achievements, Mary has regained confidence and reconnected with her family.
Resources that helped: Juneau Housing First, Permanent Supportive Housing, Healthcare Access
Allan's Journey
Allan had been homeless for almost all his adult life, struggling with substance and alcohol use. He moved around the country before making his way to Fairbanks, Alaska in 2008. The extreme winter temperatures were unlike anything he had experienced before.
"It was something I had never experienced before. It's hard to live when it's 40 below."
A worker from a 12-step program found Allan in the woods with alcohol and asked if he wanted help. Eventually, he got sober and connected with the Fairbanks Rescue Mission to find shelter and work. Allan started as a cook, became a shelter manager, and now directs the recycling center the mission runs to help homeless people gain job experience.
Resources that helped: Outreach Services, Substance Abuse Treatment, Emergency Shelter, Job Training
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Alaska have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Alaska to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Emergency Housing Vouchers
Type: Housing Assistance
Eligibility: Homeless individuals and families, persons fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking
Benefits: Housing vouchers to secure stable rental housing
How to Apply: Must be referred through a local coordinated entry team or by contacting Alaska 2-1-1
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Programs
Type: Supportive Housing
Eligibility: Must meet HUD chronically homeless requirements, disability requirements, and low-income requirements
Benefits: Non-time-limited affordable housing assistance with wrap-around support services
How to Apply: Complete a Coordinated Entry Assessment through partners like NeighborWorks Alaska
Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project (YHDP)
Type: Youth Support Services
Eligibility: Youth who have been involved with child protection, foster care, juvenile justice systems, and youth with behavioral health or substance abuse needs
Benefits: Case management, permanency planning, housing assistance, emergency shelter
How to Apply: Contact Covenant House Alaska or the applicable coordinated entry system
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Alaska based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners