The Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness is sounding the alarm on a housing emergency. The Anchorage housing crisis is deepening, with over 1,300 applications for emergency rental assistance in just 2 1/2 days.
Executive Director Meg Zaletel held an emergency press conference after the application window closed on February 20. The sheer number of applications has left the organization reeling. Each application represents one household, with an estimated 2,600 Alaskans in need.
The applicants are either on the verge of losing their housing or are currently experiencing homelessness. Zaletel described the situation as a “giant wave of need” that the organization struggles to address.
The root cause of the crisis is a perfect storm of soaring rents, stagnant wages, and a limited housing supply. The coalition calls for immediate rental assistance to help those at risk and rapid rehousing services for those already homeless.
Zaletel believes that acting preemptively will be more cost-effective in the long run. The municipality is working on mid and long-term solutions, but the coalition needs to buy time to escape crisis mode.
Meanwhile, the coalition is working tirelessly to address the issue. They expect funding to assist 500 households, but Zaletel estimates that tens of millions of dollars are needed to provide the necessary support.
Furthermore, the coalition is urging the community to take action. They need support to provide emergency rental assistance and rapid rehousing services.
In addition, the coalition is working with local organizations to provide support services. They are committed to ending homelessness in Anchorage.
The Anchorage housing crisis is a growing concern. The Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness is working to address the issue. Meg Zaletel and her team are dedicated to providing support services to those in need. The Anchorage housing crisis is deepening.
News story originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
