Data Snapshot
End-of-month count of people actively experiencing homelessness
Source: AKHMIS
This data examines people entering and exiting the homelessness prevention and response system. When outflow is consistently greater than inflow, we know we are serving those in need and moving towards Functional Zero homelessness.
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Active: The total number of individuals that are actively experiencing homelessness (may reside in shelter, transitional housing, or in a location not meant for human habitation) in the Homeless Response System (HRS) that have not yet moved into permanent housing as of the last day of the reporting month. We anticipate that this number will rise as additional providers begin to share information in HMIS and outreach efforts increase.
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The total number of individuals who entered the system experiencing homelessness during the reporting month. Individuals are divided into three categories:
Newly Identified: Individuals not previously known to the system.
Returns from Inactivity: Individuals previously designated as inactive but have since reappeared or otherwise returned to homelessness during the reporting month.
Returns from Housing: Individuals previously housed and have become unhoused or have otherwise returned to homelessness during the reporting month.
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The total number of individuals who exited the system during the reporting month. Individuals are divided into two categories:
Housing Placements: The total number of individuals experiencing homelessness who moved into permanent housing during the reporting month.
Went Inactive: The total number of individuals experiencing homelessness who have not had a touch to the system in over 90 days as of the last day of the reporting month.
Definitions:
Data Dashboards
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Built for Zero Data
Counts the individuals actively experiencing homelessness in Anchorage using the Homeless Management Information System.
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Demographics
Adjustable dashboard of all individuals in Alaska served through HMIS broken down by race, age, project type, and more.
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Point in Time (PIT) Count
The PIT Count is a federal report that counts and collects demographic information on persons experiencing homelessness.
Causes of Homelessness
It is a common misperception that homelessness is the fault of the individual. In reality, studies and evidence show that systemic failures are ultimately the root cause.
A poll conducted by The Denver Foundation’s Close to Home Campaign underscores this misperception. Housed residents of the region cited unemployment, substance use, and mental health as the most common causes of homelessness. However, systemic causes such as inaccessible housing, economic inequality, and racial inequities are the root causes of homelessness. Learn more on our FAQs page.
RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS/FAMILY BREAKUP
LACK OF AFFORDABLE & ACCESSABLE HOUSING
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
LOST A JOB OR COULD NOT FIND WORK
ASKED TO LEAVE OR EVICTED
MEDICAL OR PERSONAL EMERGENCY
People simply cannot afford rent.
In Alaska, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,368. In order to afford this level of rent and utilities — without paying more than 30% of income on housing — a household must earn $4,562 monthly or $54,740 annually. Assuming a 40-hour work week, 52 weeks per year, this level of income translates into an hourly Housing Wage of:
97
Work hours per week at minimum wage to afford a 2-bedroom rental home (at FMR)
74
Work hours per week at minimum wage to afford a 1-bedroom rental home (at FMR)
2.4
Number of full-time jobs at minimum wage to afford a 2-bedroom rental home (at FMR)
1.9
Number of full-time jobs at minimum wage to afford a 1-bedroom rental home (at FMR)
Gap Analysis 2023
These numbers show the gaps between the actual need for shelter & housing in the Anchorage municipality and the current capacity to meet demand.
221
Shelter
52
Transitional housing
272
Total Shelter & Transitional Housing Gap
581
Rapid rehousing
576
Supportive Housing
1,321
Independent Units*
2,478
Total Permanent Housing Gap
- Updated January, 26th 2023
*Includes independent units, low-income units, & self-resolution