Alaska Rent Relief: Current Programs and Housing Assistance Options

For Alaskans seeking financial support for housing, understanding the available assistance is critical. The emergency Alaska Housing Rent Relief program, a large-scale initiative created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and managed by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), is now closed to new applications. While this specific fund has concluded, it does not mean that help is unavailable. The landscape of housing support has shifted from a single emergency program to a network of ongoing state, local, and targeted programs designed to address various housing needs. Alaskans can still find significant support through active local funding, statewide initiatives for those experiencing homelessness, and long-standing voucher and public housing programs.

The Alaska Housing Rent Relief Program: A Historical Overview

The Alaska Housing Rent Relief program was a temporary, federally funded initiative established to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its primary goal was to prevent evictions and maintain housing stability for Alaskan renters who had experienced financial hardship. Administered by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), the program made a substantial impact across the state. 

Key achievements of the program include:

• Significant Financial Distribution: The program paid out over $262 million in emergency rental and utility assistance.
• Widespread Community Impact: These funds directly benefited nearly 66,500 Alaskans in approximately 26,222 households, providing a critical lifeline during a period of uncertainty.
• Direct Payment System: To ensure funds were used as intended, payments were made directly to landlords and utility providers on behalf of the approved tenants.

The program operated on a defined timeline, with the initial application period opening in early 2021 and the final deadline for new applications on October 1, 2021. AHFC was recognized nationally for its innovative and efficient distribution of these Emergency Rental Assistance funds, positioning Alaska as a leading state in its COVID-19 housing response and earning awards for its operational excellence.

Active Rental Assistance for Anchorage Residents: Municipality ERA2 Funding

Residents of the Municipality of Anchorage currently have access to a dedicated pool of rental assistance. The municipality is administering over $5.5 million in federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) funds to help people access and maintain stable housing. Applications for this assistance will remain open until all funds have been distributed or until the program deadline of September 30, 2025.

To qualify for this funding, a household must meet three specific criteria:

1. Has a household income of less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
2. Is currently experiencing housing insecurity.
3. Has experienced financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The application process is managed through a network of community partners rather than a central municipal office. Interested individuals should submit a single application to one of the designated organizations listed below. It is recommended to choose the organization that seems best suited to the applicant's situation. If one partner agency is unable to fund a request, the application may be forwarded to other partners for review.

For additional assistance or to check eligibility, applicants can call 2-1-1 or visit the Anchorage Health Department's resource page at https://tinyurl.com/AHD-CSD.

Statewide Support for Homeless Alaskans: The Housing Stabilization & Recovery Program

As the emergency rent relief program concluded, AHFC developed the Housing Stabilization & Recovery Program to address a different and more acute need: providing immediate and long-term housing solutions for Alaskans currently experiencing homelessness. This program represents a shift in focus from preventing homelessness due to economic hardship to actively resolving existing homelessness. It is designed to meet individuals where they are, whether on the streets, in an emergency shelter, or fleeing domestic violence.

The program's eligibility is specific and strictly defined. To qualify, an individual must be "literally homeless," which includes sleeping in a shelter, a car, a tent, or any place not meant for human habitation. It is important to note what circumstances do not meet this definition, such as couch-surfing or staying in a hotel or transitional program. While an applicant's income must be below 80% of the AMI, this is generally assumed and does not require documentation at intake if the person is confirmed to be literally homeless.

Eligible participants can receive comprehensive support, including:

• Up to 12 months of rental assistance.
• Financial help with move-in costs, such as security deposits and up to three months of storage fees.
• Funds for essential household items, including basic furniture, kitchen supplies, or work-related clothing and training certifications.
• Dedicated support and case management from a housing navigator.

This program is not accessible through a direct public application. Instead, individuals must be enrolled through one of 20 key community partner organizations and housing navigators located across the state. Those in need of this assistance must connect with a designated partner agency in their area to begin the intake process.

Ongoing AHFC Housing Programs for Low-Income Alaskans

Beyond emergency or targeted initiatives, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation manages several foundational, long-term programs that provide stable housing support for low-income Alaskans. These programs operate on a waiting-list basis, and availability varies by community. A person seeking assistance may need to apply to multiple programs and waiting lists separately, as an application for one does not count for others.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly known as Section 8, provides a rental subsidy to eligible families, allowing them to lease units in the private rental market. A key feature of this program is portability; the assistance moves with the family if they relocate to another eligible area. Eligibility is based primarily on income, with a requirement that a family's income is at or below 50% of the Area Median Income for their location. To apply, individuals must find a community with an open waiting list and submit an application for that specific list.

Public Housing (AHFC-Owned Rentals)

AHFC directly owns and operates public housing rental units in 13 communities across Alaska. This program provides affordable housing for individuals and families, including designated properties for seniors and persons with disabilities. The income eligibility for public housing is set at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, a higher threshold than the voucher program, which makes it an option for a different segment of the population. Like the voucher program, this assistance is based on community-specific waiting lists.

Specialized and Referral-Based Vouchers

AHFC also collaborates with various state and community agencies to offer Special Purpose Vouchers. These are tailored to assist specific populations with distinct housing needs, such as individuals fleeing domestic violence, youth aging out of the foster care system, or non-elderly persons with disabilities transitioning from institutional care. These vouchers are not available by applying directly to AHFC. Instead, a referral from a designated partner agency, such as the Office of Children's Services or the Department of Health, is required to access this support.

Targeted Assistance for Alaskans with Disabilities: Section 811 PRA

The Section 811 Project-Based Rental Assistance (PRA) program offers highly specialized, permanent supportive housing for very low-income adults with disabilities. This program is specifically designed for individuals who are transitioning out of institutional settings like hospitals, correctional facilities, or long-term treatment centers; are at risk of institutionalization; or are leaving homelessness.

Eligibility for the Section 811 PRA program is stringent and requires applicants to meet several criteria:

• Have a disability as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• Be between the ages of 18 and 62.
• Have a very low income, defined as 30% or less of the Area Median Income.
• Be eligible to receive community-based, long-term care services.

A critical component of the application process is the requirement of a Sponsoring Agency. An applicant must be working with an approved agency that can help complete the application and provide ongoing support services necessary for independent living. Individuals without a sponsoring agency can ask a current caseworker for assistance or contact the Alaska Department of Health directly to be connected with one.

Additional Financial Resources for Housing Stability

For Alaskans who may not qualify for the dedicated housing programs detailed above, other forms of state financial aid can help cover housing costs and prevent instability. While not exclusively for rent, these funds can be applied toward essential needs, including shelter.

• Adult Public Assistance (APA): Provides monthly cash assistance to Alaskans who are aged, blind, or disabled and have very low income and limited resources.
• General Relief Assistance: A last-resort, one-time emergency payment for households facing an immediate crisis related to shelter or utilities. Eligibility requires minimal income and resources.
• Heating Assistance Program (HAP): Offers a once-per-year payment to help eligible low-income households with their heating bills, which can free up funds for other essential costs like rent.
• Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) / Tribal TANF: These programs provide time-limited cash assistance to low-income families with children. ATAP is administered by the state, while Tribal TANF is managed by federally recognized tribes for their members.

Essential Resources and Next Steps for Renters

Navigating the various housing assistance options can be challenging. The following resources provide direct pathways to information and support.

• Check Waiting Lists Now: The first step for accessing AHFC's ongoing programs is to check the official (https://www.ahfc.us/tenants/how-to-apply-rental-assistance/waiting-list-status) to see which programs are accepting applications in your community.
• Contact Alaska 2-1-1: For information on a wide range of local health and human services, including housing and utility assistance, call 2-1-1 or visit their website. They serve as a central point of contact for community-specific resources.
• Speak with a Housing Counselor: HUD-certified housing counselors offer free, expert advice on renting, budgeting, and avoiding eviction. You can (https://www.hud.gov/counseling) online or by calling (800) 569-4287.
• Explore Legal Aid: For tenants facing eviction or other legal housing issues, AlaskaLawHelp.org provides free legal information and resources.
• Utilize Budgeting Tools: AHFC offers a free budgeting tool to help individuals and families manage their monthly expenses and work toward financial stability.

Information for Landlords

Landlords who participated in the Alaska Housing Rent Relief program or who work with tenants in other assistance programs should be aware of several key details.

• Tax Implications: Payments received through the federally funded Alaska Housing Rent Relief program are considered taxable income. Landlords should have received an IRS Form 1099 for these payments. For any questions or discrepancies regarding a 1099 form, landlords can contact AHFC at (907) 330-8281.
• Housing Choice Voucher Participation: Landlords who rent to tenants with Housing Choice Vouchers benefit from a consistent rental subsidy paid directly by AHFC. This partnership provides a reliable income stream and access to a large pool of potential tenants. More information is available in AHFC's Landlord Toolkit.
• Refunding Unused Assistance: If a tenant who received rent relief funds moves out before the assistance period is over, landlords are legally obligated to return any unused future rent payments to the issuing organization.

Frequently Asked Questions