Terria Ware, Senior Director of Policy and System Planning, Jessica Parks, Chief Operating Officer, and Meg Zaletel, Executive Director, together in Parks’ new office.
The Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness proudly welcomes Jessica Parks as the new Chief Operating Officer.
Jessica Parks brings compassion for people experiencing homelessness and a deep understanding of Housing First practices to the coalition. For many years she has been a champion for affordable and appropriate housing in Anchorage. She comes to the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH), having previously served as the Homeless Prevention and Response System Advisory Council Chair, which governs the activities of the Continuum of Care. Her knowledge of federal, state, and local policy is a valuable addition to the team.
“I look forward to working closely with the staff and board of ACEH. I will continue to collaborate with homeless service providers and housing providers to improve the overlay of services and housing. Anchorage needs more housing and services to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness. We know that it is the most cost-effective intervention available to our community.”
Under Parks’ guidance, ACEH will convene people with lived experience, providers, policymakers, and the community to address the needs of our unsheltered neighbors. With the addition of Parks, ACEH is well prepared for the upcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which brings in annual resources for housing and services for vulnerable people.
“Anchorage has made progress on bringing new affordable units online through hotel conversions and I’m excited to continue these efforts with an amazing team.”
During Executive Director Meg Zaletel’s medical leave through August 1, 2023, all responsibilities and duties will be fulfilled by Jessica Parks as Chief Operating Officer and Terria Ware, Senior Director of Policy and System Planning.