Homelessness FAQ

A: In the past year combined, 11,216 people accessed homelessness services in Anchorage.

4,487 people occupied emergency shelters or transitional housing programs.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Veterans Affairs consider a person to be homeless if they are sleeping outside, in a place not meant for human habitation such as a car or abandoned building, or in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program. Other federal agencies have different definitions for homelessness.

To view the most current data visit our Built For Zero dashboard

Timeframe: 08/31/2022 -08/31/2023

A: In Anchorage:

• 1,953 minors experienced homelessness.

• 7,991 adults experienced homelessness.

• 2,068 individuals had chronic patterns of homelessness.

• 2,367 reported recent domestic violence.

Timeframe: 08/31/2022 -08/31/2023 - Source: AKHMIS Demographics dashboard

A: Reasons vary, but the main reason people become homeless is because they cannot find housing they can afford. Other factors can include a chronic health condition, domestic violence and systemic inequality. Read more about the causes of homelessness.

A: Yes. A home. To end homelessness, the nation will need an adequate supply of housing that is affordable to lower income households. Until that problem is solved, the homeless system will help people quickly return to housing, connect to employment, and get needed services and support. Read more about specific solutions to homelessness.

The Anchorage Coalition to End Homeless (ACEH) focuses on ending and preventing homelessness through:

Research, Data, and Education: ACEH uses research and data to find solutions to homelessness. It informs policymakers, practitioners, and advocates about those solutions.

Policy: ACEH advocates to improve homelessness policy and provide resources.

Capacity: ACEH works with the community to implement solutions to homelessness.

A: No. Anchorage Coalition to End homelessness does not provide direct services such as housing or case management. If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, please contact the Anchorage 2-1-1 hotline or learn about other resources on our Need Help page.