Homelessness in Anchorage: January 2025 update
Our latest data analysis is out. The number of people experiencing homelessness continues to edge up. Compared to November 2023, 143 more individuals are experiencing homelessness, and fewer are leaving homelessness for housing.
We are facing challenges similar to those experienced nationwide. To effectively address the issue of homelessness in Anchorage, we must prioritize investments in rental subsidies through rapid rehousing initiatives. That’s the proven, best way to reduce homelessness. Without such investments, we are unlikely to witness notable reductions in the city's homelessness figures.
An escalating inability to afford rent is leading to a growing number of individuals experiencing homelessness for the first time. At the same time, there’s good news. Those who moved from homelessness to supported housing are managing to sustain their residences at a notably high rate.
Why is the overall number increasing? Three reasons.
First, people got back in touch with service providers after a period of inactivity. One factor is that individuals needed to make sure their names were on the master list known as Coordinated Entry in order to be prioritized for cold weather shelter.
Second, the rate of people leaving homelessness for housing is slow, with 111 individuals housed in November compared to a 12-month average of 173. Housing programs are full, and with people largely able to maintain their housing, few slots are opening up.
Third, a large number of people are experiencing homelessness for the first time.
November 2024 Alaska Homelessness Management Information System data
Meanwhile, cold weather shelter is saving lives. In November, 389 people spent at least a night in one of the 332 seasonal shelter beds. Of those, 251 had been living outside and more than half have been chronically homeless, meaning unhoused for at least a year and struggling with a disabling condition.