ACEH calls for action on Anchorage’s affordable housing emergency

Meg Zaletel answers questions from reporters on March 7, 2025, in the ACEH office.

For immediate release
March 7, 2025
Contact: Lisa Demer, external relations director, 907-312-9547

The Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness is putting attention on the unexpected magnitude of an escalating emergency that came to full light during a recent rental assistance opportunity.

More than 1,000 Anchorage households are currently at risk of eviction due to rising rental costs and a lack of available and affordable housing options, a compilation of applications showed.

“It feels like a giant wave of need is about to hit us, and all we have is a small one cup measuring cup to catch those who are in need,” said Meg Zaletel, ACEH executive director.

The scale became apparent in February when more than 1,300 Anchorage households applied for a limited rental assistance offering that took place over just two- and one-half days. Of those, 1,008 were 14 days away from losing their housing, and another 375 were already literally homeless.

One woman’s February rent money went for car repairs and she’s still waiting on SNAP benefits that she applied for in November. Another person, two months behind on rent, couldn’t even pay part because the payment app didn’t allow a split payment. One woman in a family of five said she is choosing between rent and food. She owes $6,000 in back rent “because I’m choosing to buy food over paying rent and utilities. I am overwhelmed and afraid of tomorrow every day.”

Of those who applied for help, 808 households had at least one child at home, with a total of 2,350 children facing housing instability. More than 150 households included an elder.

“These are our neighbors,” Zaletel said. “These are our family. These are our friends in the community, and it is time for us take some action.”

Shelters and subsidized housing programs are full. Rents are soaring, wages are stagnant, and many residents cannot afford even the most basic housing.

The answer is known, Zaletel said. Rental assistance programs are a proven, cost-effective strategy to prevent homelessness by providing financial help to those who are behind on rent. Rapid rehousing programs play a critical role to help those who are living outdoors to secure permanent housing and needed safety and stability.

“Inaction is not an option,” Zaletel said. “The longer we wait, the more families will be forced onto the streets, further straining our social services and emergency response systems.”

The recent offering came through COVID relief dollars and will provide help to about 20 households selected randomly from the massive number of applications. Another round of rapid rehousing should soon help additional households but is not enough for the majority of those who sought assistance.

The cost of meaningfully addressing newly identified emergent housing needs for Anchorage families in crisis is at least $20 million, Zaletel estimated. The community needs to recognize and come together to address the emergency.

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