The Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness welcomes Meg Zaletel as Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2022

Anchorage, AK – The Board of Directors is proud to announce Meg Zaletel as Executive Director. Meg Zaletel has guided the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH) as Interim Executive Director since November of 2021. The Board of Directors selected Zaletel to assist during a time of transition, both in the community and at the coalition. Zaletel brings a deep understanding of the partnerships, policies, and best practices to the work.

“Meg Zaletel’s subject matter expertise, her energetic, unfailing commitment to housing as the solution to homelessness, her compassion, and her intellectual rigor all make her an excellent choice to lead ACEH.” Diane Kaplan, President and CEO Rasmuson Foundation.

The board tasked her with four main objectives; to keep ACEH operational, build internal capacity, strengthen the management team, and strategically align ACEH as an innovative and reliable community solutions agency. Zaletel has achieved much more in a short time. She has provided subject matter expertise, resources and guidance to the facilitated workgroup between the Mayor’s office and Anchorage Assembly. Zaletel has brought in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Disaster Technical Assistance to assist with the Mass Care Exit Strategy. She has also shown leadership and persistence in advocating for people experiencing homelessness, always keeping in mind that the solution to homelessness is housing.

ACEH has a long history of innovation and determination and is excited for the direction that Zaletel will take the coalition. The goal of ACEH is to achieve a milestone known as functional zero. This means that as people become homeless, they are quickly connected to housing and supportive services that promote independence and minimize community impact.

“Meg’s professional background and passion for improving our community make her the ideal candidate to lead ACEH at this time.” Nathan Johnson, Board Chair.

“Zaletel grounds the Continuum of Care in compassion, and takes a nuanced approach to working with a broad array of partners. Anchorage needs to focus on the long-term goal of making homelessness rare, brief and one-time. We welcome her leadership in furthering our mission.” Judith Crotty, Board Vice Chair.

ACEH was founded in 2004 and brings together homeless service providers, local businesses, government, medical providers and social service agencies to address homelessness. ACEH believes that coordination and collaboration are necessary to assist people in accessing housing. In 2012, ACEH became the HUD designated lead for the Continuum of Care, and is responsible for the Homeless Information Management System, Coordinated Entry, the Notice of Funding Opportunity, and is the community convener on homelessness.

“I am excited for this opportunity to continue work that is meaningful to me. This is a pivotal moment for homeless services in our community, and I look forward to partnering with others who share our mission.” Meg Zaletel, Executive Director ACEH.

Media Contact: Owen Hutchinson, Director of Communications and External Relations, ohutchinson@aceh.org, 907-312-9547

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