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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 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:
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.
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:
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.
| Organization Name | Direct Application Link |
|---|---|
| Choosing Our Roots | https://tinyurl.com/ERA-COR |
| Henning, Inc. | https://tinyurl.com/ERA-HENNING |
| New Life Development | https://tinyurl.com/ERA-NLD |
| NeighborWorks AK | https://tinyurl.com/ERA-NWAK |
| United Way of Anchorage | https://tinyurl.com/ERA-UWA |
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Navigating the various housing assistance options can be challenging. The following resources provide direct pathways to information and support.
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.
No, the COVID-19 era Alaska Rent Relief program, administered by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), is permanently closed. It is no longer accepting applications. However, Alaskans can still access other ongoing housing and financial assistance programs for help with rent and utilities.
There isn't a single statewide replacement. Instead, assistance is provided through a network of established programs like the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, the Housing Stabilization Program for those experiencing homelessness, and other targeted municipal and state financial aid options for low-income residents.
You can apply for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program directly through the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC). Applications are subject to waiting lists, which vary by community. You can check the status of local waiting lists and download application packets directly from the AHFC website.
Yes. The Municipality of Anchorage periodically offers Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) when federal funding is available. This assistance is for low-income renters in Anchorage who are struggling with rent or utilities. Residents must apply through designated partner organizations when the application period is open.
This program is specifically for Alaskans who are experiencing literal homelessness, such as living in a shelter or an unsheltered location. It provides financial aid for security deposits, rent, and other moving costs. Assistance is accessed through referrals from designated partner agencies, not by direct application.
The Section 811 Project-Based Rental Assistance (PRA) program offers rental subsidies for extremely low-income Alaskans with disabilities. Additionally, the Adult Public Assistance (APA) program may provide monthly cash assistance that can be used for housing costs for eligible aged, blind, or disabled individuals.
Yes, in programs like the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), AHFC pays a portion of the tenant's rent directly to the landlord each month. This provides a reliable source of income for landlords who partner with the program and rent to eligible tenants.
If you are facing an immediate housing crisis or eviction, contact Alaska 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 to be connected with local resources. For legal guidance on tenant rights and eviction proceedings, you can also contact Alaska Legal Services Corporation for potential assistance.
Yes, many programs can help with utility costs. The federal Heating Assistance Program (HAP) provides a direct payment to help low-income households with their heating bills. Some funds from the Housing Choice Voucher and municipal ERA programs can also be used for utility allowances and arrearages.
Generally, payments made to tenants from programs like the Alaska Rent Relief program were not considered taxable income for the renter. However, payments made directly to landlords are considered taxable rental income, and they must report it to the IRS.
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