Finding Hope and Home at Glacier View

Things were looking bleak for Tonya, with few options available to her. Living in Arizona with her two children, she had recently broken up with her boyfriend and didn’t have a place to live.

“I was in a rough place,” Tonya said. “My mom said, ‘Just come home and get back on your feet. You can get your life together.’”

So Tonya moved back to Seward, where she had lived until she was a teenager. Returning home faced additional challenges as Tonya, who relies on a wheelchair, needed an accessible space to regain her independence.

Finding a Housing Opportunity

Six months later, she caught a break and was accepted into Glacier View, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s housing location for seniors and individuals with disabilities in Seward. It offered exactly what Tonya needed and she moved in November 2022.

With her housing concerns addressed, Tonya could find a car and look for work. After a few months, she was hired for a new job.

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“It meant everything for me to find Glacier View. I could be independent again, take care of my kids and not have to have somebody else help take care of me. The apartment is 100% accessible, so I’m able to do everything myself.”

– Tonya, Glacier View Resident

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Beyond physical accessibility, Glacier View provided a sense of belonging.

“My kids love it here,” Tonya said. “They have their own space, are close to family and enjoy the school and the small-town vibe.”

The supportive staff at Glacier View play a continued role in Tonya’s journey.

“Tracy and John are amazing,” she says. “Things get fixed promptly, they answer questions and are always there for us.”

More Than Just Housing

While Tonya initially was looking for a place to live, she found something more at Glacier View – a sense of community that offered a safe, secure foundation. 

“It just kind of fell into place how I got my life back together,” she said. “If people were to ask my advice about whether they should come to Glacier View I would tell them to put in the application. I would highly recommend it because it’s a nice community, everybody’s friendly and it’s a home that you can live in and make it your own.”

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We recognize that Tonya’s story is exceptional and some Alaskans may be in need of safe, quality, affordable housing. If you require housing 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 maintains waitlists statewide. See openings in your community. Seniors can also find information from our Senior Housing Office or by calling 800-478-2432.

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