Building a Foundation for Her Family

Nicole’s family had experienced generational struggles with poverty, so she was aware of Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s rental assistance programs that help lower-income Alaskans, seniors or individuals with disabilities find housing. Despite her own family’s challenges, Nicole admitted that as a young adult she never imagined moving back into public housing.

“I thought public housing was meant for people who struggled in ways I couldn’t picture myself struggling as an adult,” she said. “But when I became a single mom to twin boys and was living with my mother in an overcrowded apartment, I found myself needing to utilize the same resources my mother had used.”

Eight years ago, despite her initial hesitation, Nicole applied for rental assistance and found that AHFC became a partner in her success.

Flexible Resources

Moving into her own apartment, Nicole embraced her new independence, excited to make a home for her young family.

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“When AHFC Housing Program Specialist Corinne told me that they had a unit available for me, she was so genuinely happy for me. It was empowering to have agency over my own life, to decide how I would live and to have my own space with my children. It made me feel independent.” - Nicole, Public Housing Resident, Juneau

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However, Nicole was struggling with severe mental health challenges and trying to manage her symptoms while raising her twins. Completing each stage of AHFC’s Step program, which includes meeting financial goals over five years, was becoming overwhelming.

Nicole shared her challenges with Kyle Schmitz, AHFC asset supervisor II, and was surprised at how easy it was to get connected to the right resources for her family’s needs.

“Kyle told me about the Classic program, which was an option for me because of my disability,” Nicole said. “When you’re struggling already, the paperwork necessary to get help can feel overwhelming, but it was so easy to work with my doctor and AHFC to switch programs. That flexibility was impactful.”

Additionally, Nicole says she is grateful for the support of the employees who helped her.

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“Kyle has been so understanding of my struggles with mental illness. He has never once made me feel ashamed. Because of that, I felt safe to be honest about what I was going through and I was able to get the accommodations I needed.” - Nicole, Public Housing Resident, Juneau

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A New Perspective

Connected with the right resources, Nicole has created a stable home for herself and her children. She is building on that foundation by working to improve her credit score and advance her career, with dreams of eventually buying her own home. 

Based on her firsthand experience creating a home for her family at a public housing property, Nicole said her perspective has changed.

“It’s been a good home to us for the last eight years,” she said. “Someday when I buy my own house I’ll be happy knowing that this apartment can go to someone else deserving and in need. It’s a community resource I’m really grateful for.”

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We recognize that Nicole’s story is exceptional and some Alaskans may be in need of safe, quality, affordable housing. If you are facing homelessness or are in need of resources, we encourage you to contact Alaska 2-1-1. This free, confidential resource can help you to locate assistance in your home community. Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221 or visit alaska211.org.

AHFC’s Public Housing/Choice Voucher programs maintain waitlists statewide. See openings in your community.