If there is one place where it can be even more brutal to be homeless or have housing issues, it has to be Alaska. Those living in such cold conditions will suffer more if they experience homelessness, making it that much more important to know where to turn for help. The good news is that there are programs that offer housing assistance for ex-felons in Alaska, which can be the difference in experiencing a cold homelessness or getting help to find affordable housing.
The programs offering housing assistance for ex-felons in Alaska will provide help to people who have a low income and who are citizens or legal non-citizens. Some of the programs that are locally based may not verify one’s citizenship, but programs that are offered through the federal or state government likely will. It’s a good idea to know where to turn for help when if you are experiencing financial difficulties.
The cost of living in Alaska is quite a bit more than in other states in the country. By some estimates, it costs around 29% more to live in the state than it does the other states. This means that housing is going to be higher, along with the cost of groceries, utilities, furniture, etc. Most things you go to purchase in Alaska are going to cost more, which helps make it more difficult to afford housing if you are an ex-felon who is struggling financially or who is trying to enter back into society following serving time in prison or jail.
Programs Offering Housing Assistance for Ex-Felons in Alaska ::: Contact as many of the programs below that you feel you may be able to get help from. There is no limit to how many you can reach out to. Also, keep in mind that you will not have to pay back any of the funds that are used to help you with housing assistance, because it is considered a gift to help those in need in the community.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This is the first place you will want to contact regarding housing assistance. The goal of HUD, which is a federally funded program, is to reduce homelessness. HUD offers a variety of programs to help people find affordable housing options in their area, as well as to avoid foreclosure, and to obtain weatherization services, which will reduce monthly utility bills. If you qualify, HUD will help you pay your rent or mortgage, as well as locate affordable housing. They also own housing units and will let people live in them for free in a program called Section 8. To get more information about HUD programs, click here.
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation – This organization will provide housing assistance for ex-felons in Alaska by providing help paying for their rent or mortgage. They can also provide you with referrals to other housing assistance programs in your area. They provide resources for renters, homeowners, and landlords. To get more information, click here.
Alaska Tribal Justice Resource Center – Ex-felons who have spent time in jail or prison may find it helpful to work with this Alaska re-entry program. The programs have been designed to help ex-felons be able to transition smoothly. They will help you find affordable housing options, as well as other resources. The re-entry programs are made possible by non-profit organizations that seek to help people in the community. To get more information, click here.
Gastineau Human Services Corp. – This mission of this organization is to help provide housing assistance for ex-felons in Alaska. They are a non-profit organization that helps people who have been incarcerated to restore their lives. They offer a transitional housing program where people can live for up to 18 months, getting their life on the right track. They also offer a behavioral health treatment program, and a residential center, which helps ensure that people have adequate housing upon returning into the community. To get more information about the programs offered by this organization, click here.
Northstar Center Residential Re-Entry Program – This is a halfway house in Alaska that provides housing assistance for ex-felons. In addition to providing housing help, they will provide assistance for ex-felons so that they can get a job and become self-sufficient. They also offer substance abuse treatment and case management services. To learn more about this re-entry and substance abuse treatment program, click here.
Alaska Community Development Corporation – This organization provides housing assistance for ex-felons in Alaska, as well as others. They help people locate affordable housing options and make it possible for people to be able to purchase a home. They make it possible to purchase a home paying less than $800 per month. To qualify for the program you have to have a low income. Those who are qualified for the program will be able to get an affordable housing grant so that they can purchase a home. To get more information about the program or see if you qualify, click here.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – This government agency offers housing assistance for ex-felons in Alaska if they are interested in purchasing a home that is rurally located. To help with rural development, the government offers grants that will help pay for all or part of the land and housing costs so that you can own a home in a rural area. They provide grants for single family homes, as well as for other programs. To get more information about this program, click here.
In addition to these programs, be sure to reach out to your local city offices. Ask them if they have resources or referrals that they can provide to help you with affordable housing options. They may work with other organizations and agencies and be able to help you find the best options in your area. The office may also be able to provide you with the most affordable housing options in your city, as well as if there are any grant programs you can use to get financial help.
