Helping People Find ‘Room to Grow’

As a Housing Program Specialist II for Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s family housing facility in Juneau, Sarah serves as a vital community resource.  

In that role she has seen first-hand the challenges people face, but she has also helped many individuals find a path to assist them in changing their lives for the better.

“We meet people where they’re at,” Sarah said. “We shouldn’t judge others because one day that could be you. Our circumstances can change for good or bad. There’s always room to grow as a person, every single day and just because someone is in public housing here today doesn’t mean they will be forever.”

Connecting with People

Sarah joined Alaska Housing more than five years ago. She was looking for a job that allowed her to connect with people and make a meaningful difference in their lives. Today she is doing just that, assisting others in navigating financial challenges and securing stable housing.

In turn, the clients she assists are demonstrating their thanks. One client gave her a heartfelt gift – a framed note expressing gratitude for Sarah’s help. Another client was feeling nervous about taking a test to complete a financial literacy course. The client shared with Sarah some of her background and how it contributed to her concern about taking the test. Sarah’s willingness to listen and encourage the client helped her feel more secure and complete the course.

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“It made me feel like even when I’m not aware that I am helping someone, they’re aware. There are obviously times that you know you are making a difference, but I don’t think we realize how much we mean to people on a daily basis.”

– Sarah, Housing Program Specialist II

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Helping Her Hometown

As someone who was born and raised in Juneau, being able to help others in the place she calls home has been fulfilling. Within the tight-knit community is a circle of organizations that offer assistance to those in need, including Sarah and Alaska Housing.

“I’ve seen how this community can make a difference based on the type of care or involvement we put towards a person,” she said. “We’re all interlinked with this community of helping people and they’re getting all of our help because maybe they don’t have family or friends. They’re alone. You see them go from horrible situations and then see them getting case management and help from other entities, and their quality of life is a 180-degree change.”

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Interested in exploring a career at Alaska Housing? Visit our website and view open positions.