Alaska Emergency Rental Assistance: 2024 Application Guide

Alaska is home to a population of over 700,000 people who deal with extreme weather conditions. With this relatively low population, Alaska has one of the highest homeless rates in the country at 31.7 out of every 10K people, a 10.43% poverty level, and a 6.9% unemployment rate. To provide solutions, many programs offer help with emergency rental assistance in Alaska.

Rental Assistance Programs in Alaska

Numerous options exist for emergency assistance from the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation and the Association of Alaska Housing Authorities. These programs are available to homeless, veterans, elderly, and low-income individuals and families to provide safe, clean, and affordable housing. 

Senior and Accessible Housing

The program offers one-bedroom apartments with access to an elevator. Some of the requirements for the program include:

  • Residents must be 62 or older.

  • Disabled with income 80% or less of the area median income.

You should follow the instructions carefully when filling out the application.

New Start Voucher

This rental assistance program is for Alaskan residents nearing the end of their stabilization and Recovery Program. It is a referral-based program where residents who make 50% or less of the median income can apply.

Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing Program

Veterans and their families deserve to live in safe, stable housing. This emergency rental assistance program in Alaska helps homeless veterans and their families pay a portion of their rent. When it comes to applying for the program, residents must meet the following requirements:

  • Must have an income of 50% or less of the median area income.

  • Apply at any Alaska Housing location.

  • Referred by Alaska VA Healthcare System to Alaska Housing

For immediate assistance, contact the Veterans Crisis Hotline.

Empowering Choice Housing Program

Suppose you earn 50% or less of the area median income and are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, etc.. In that case, this referral-based program can provide emergency rental assistance in Alaska. The resident must contact a participating Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault member to be referred.

Association of Alaska Housing Authorities

The Association of Alaska Housing Authorities is a group that helps different communities throughout Alaska. It is working toward creating more safe and affordable housing solutions for residents. Many members also offer other services, including energy, weatherization, and home rehabilitation programs.

Emergency Rental Assistance in Anchorage, AK

Many programs discussed previously offer rental assistance in Anchorage, Alaska. However, one program in particular has yet to be addressed, and it provides many great assistance options to Anchorage residents. The Salvation Army: McKinnell House is located in Anchorage, AK, and offers emergency rental assistance, among many other programs. One such program is the Emergency Shelter for Homeless Families, which offers:

  • 24-hour stays.

  • Nutritious meals.

  • Case management

  • Lifeskills development

In addition to emergency shelter, McKinnell House offers food and family services.

Counseling

Residents can talk to one of the counselors about life and spiritual issues. Spirituality is essential to The Salvation Army, which gives spiritual residents a place to go outside the church and be understood.

Food Boxes

Residents who are short on food can go to McKinnell House for prepared food boxes to help meet their nutritional needs. Residents and other organizations donate many of these items.

Clothing Vouchers

The Salvation Army receives clothing donations and hands out vouchers to needy families so they can shop for clothes. These clothes vary in size, so you can find what you need for anyone in the family.

Utility Assistance

With the severe weather conditions in Alaska, heat and electricity are essential. The Salvation Army McKinnel House offers utility assistance to avoid shut-off notices.

Rental Assistance

Another program The Salvation Army McKinnell House offers is emergency rental assistance in Anchorage, AK. You can ask for assistance if you need to catch up on rent or need help paying it.

Find Emergency Rental Assistance in Alaska Today

It is difficult to ask for help, especially when you need it, but there are solutions to your problems. There are numerous options for emergency rental assistance in Alaska. At Affordable Housing Hub, we make it easier to find what you need.

Carol Bianchi

Carol Bianchi is a staff writer for Affordable Housing Hub. Her role includes sourcing up to date information and news on affordable housing programs within the U.S. and bringing that information to the readers of Affordable Housing Hub.