Homeless Assistance in Alaska

Homeless Assistance in Alaska

Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Alaska residents.

2,300+
People experiencing homelessness
80+
Assistance programs statewide
$28M+
Federal housing funds
30 Boroughs
With local resources
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Need help right now? Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline connects you to local shelters and services in Alaska within minutes.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for Alaska residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across Alaska. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Alaska. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for Alaska veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible Alaska residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Alaska. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Alaska receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Alaska Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Alaska locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Alaska community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income Alaska residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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Alaska State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by Alaska for residents experiencing homelessness.

Alaska Housing & Homeless Program

AHFC administers federal and state housing programs including emergency housing, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing across Alaska.

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Alaska Temporary Assistance (ATA)

Cash assistance for Alaska families with children in temporary financial need. Apply through the Division of Public Assistance at any DHSS office.

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Alaska Medicaid

Comprehensive health coverage for low-income Alaskans including individuals, families, pregnant women, and disabled residents.

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Alaska Housing Programs

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Alaska residents.

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Alaska Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Alaska’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income Alaska households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major Alaska cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Anchorage

Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Anchorage area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Fairbanks

Interior Alaska CoC — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Fairbanks area.

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Juneau

AWARE Shelter — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Juneau area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Alaska.

Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline that connects you to available shelter beds in Alaska near you in minutes. Available in English and Spanish. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211.org.
No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in Alaska. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. Alaska benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.
Yes. Alaska has strong programs for homeless veterans including:
  • HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
  • SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
  • Alaska Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Alaska veterans
Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.
Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Call 211 and ask specifically for rapid re-housing in Alaska.
Apply at Alaska’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.