Bethel Winter House to receive $1 million

BETHEL, Alaska, Dec. 2, 2020 -- Bethel Winter House has applied for a $1 million competitive grant from Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to acquire the old Senior Center and renovate it to accommodate up to 32 clients who are currently or at risk of becoming homeless. The grant is federally funded and being awarded to address increased needs and challenges of serving Bethel’s at-risk and homeless population due to the COVID-19 crisis. Of the $5 million awarded statewide, Bethel Winter House will receive $1 million.

“As winter sets in and temperatures drop, it is critical for AHFC to be able to support nonprofits that provide essential housing services to keep at-risk Alaskans and those impacted by loss of income due to COVID-19 safe and warm,” said AHFC CEO/Executive Director Bryan Butcher. “There is a desperate need for an emergency shelter to serve the Bethel area. This grant will supplement other funds already raised to substantially complete the project.”

The capital grant provided by AHFC will help Bethel Winter House to immediately address community concerns of COVID-19 by advancing the proposed project and provide a long-term asset to the community that is slated to include a commercial kitchen, large open spaces, offices, and bathrooms with showers.

To qualify for the grant, which was part of $5 million awarded statewide, the Bethel Winter House had to provide AHFC with certifications of compliance, budget worksheets, a detailed explanation for how the funds will be used and proof of need. Bethel Winter House has provided 3,514 shelter nights during the pandemic, along with 2,763 meals.

Fact Sheet:

• AHFC’s use of HUD’s Emergency Solutions Grant-CV

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is a public corporation providing Alaskans access to safe, quality and affordable housing through residential financing, energy efficiency, public housing and more. Since 1986, Alaska Housing has contributed more than $2.1 billion to the State of Alaska.

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Contact: Kalinda Kindle
Communications Specialist, governmental relations and public affairs
(907) 330-8457
kkindle@ahfc.us