Alaska nonprofits assisting domestic violence victims may close shelters this summer due to federal grant uncertainty raising concerns statewide. Many domestic violence shelters depend on federal grants, but funding disruptions have placed these crucial services at risk.
Randi Breager, executive director of Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC), warned that financial instability could force service reductions. Her organization, which helps victims in Anchorage, remains funded through June, but future grant applications have vanished from government websites.
The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women removed grant listings last month, intensifying financial concerns for organizations. AWAIC relies on federal funds for 71% of its budget, either through direct grants or pass-through state funding.
The abrupt freeze on grants initially ordered in January by the Trump administration created widespread panic before a federal judge reversed it. Despite the rollback, organizations still struggle with funding uncertainty.
Alaska holds the highest domestic violence and sexual assault rates nationwide, with 58% of women affected in their lifetimes, state data shows. Laurie Wolf, president of the Foraker Group, said a nonprofit poll found that over half of organizations could shut down without funding.
More than 10% of respondents reported they would close if cuts occurred. AWAIC’s Willa’s Way, a safe house for Alaska Native women and children, and Harmony House, a transitional housing program, remain at risk.
Breager highlighted a recent security breach where a man rammed a vehicle gate attempting to access the shelter. Authorities arrested him before anyone suffered harm. Smaller shelters also face possible closure.
Suzi Towsley, who runs Seward Safe Harbor, said state funding reductions could shut down their program entirely. A 25% funding decrease would leave domestic violence victims in remote areas.
Without these shelters, victims must travel to Anchorage or Kenya to report abuse or may forgo assistance altogether. As Alaska’s domestic violence shelters face closure advocates stress the urgent need for funding solutions before services disappear.
This news article was originally published by Anchorage Daily News.
