Homeowner Assistance Kept Alaskans In Their Homes

May 4, 2023 at 6:29pm in Headlines, Homeownership
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The COVID-19 pandemic left many Alaska homeowners facing financial challenges – including potentially losing their homes or utility services. Alaska Housing Homeowner Assistance was created in 2022 to distribute federal funds that would help keep them in their homes.  

A year later, more than 22,000 Alaskans have benefited from Homeowner Assistance. 

“We are grateful to all of our partners across the state who helped make Homeowner Assistance successful,” said Sheena Villafuerte, Servicing Officer for Alaska Housing’s Mortgage Department. “This was a truly Alaskan approach to solving a complex problem. Everyone involved demonstrated innovative thinking, collaboration and a singular focus – to help the people in their communities during a difficult time.”

Addressing the Challenge Quickly

In March 2022, the application period opened for Alaska Housing Homeowner Assistance. Federal funds were provided to the state of Alaska from U.S. Treasury, with the goal to reduce mortgage delinquencies, forbearances and foreclosures, as well as prevent the loss of utilities or energy services. 

Approximately 11,000 households submitted applications for financial assistance and depending on applicant need and eligibility, Homeowner Assistance was distributed in one of three areas: mortgage reinstatement, mortgage assistance or utility assistance. 

Graphic highlights how many Alaskans were helped by Alaska Housing Homeowner Assistance.

Collaborating to Help Alaskans

Alaska Housing understood that time was of the essence to help homeowners financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization worked closely with Mortgage Servicers, nonprofit organizations and housing authorities across the state to develop innovative tools and streamlined processes that allowed Alaska Housing to distribute funds more quickly than many of its national peers. 

The application period closed in the first week of April 2022 and by early June funds were being disbursed to Alaska homeowners. By mid-July, five Alaska-based Mortgage Servicers were in the top 10 in total amount of assisted funds distributed. Three of those Alaska institutions had received approximately $2.5 million on behalf of Alaska homeowners. 

Alaska Institutions Take the Lead

One of the first Mortgage Servicers to help participate in developing processes and resources was First Bank in Ketchikan. Heather Borch, First Bank’s Assistance Vice President of Mortgage Servicing, knew how important it would be based on the experiences of people all around her. 

“Customers, friends and co-workers were struggling. Many businesses had layoffs or reduced employee hours and some shortened their hours of operations,” she said last summer. “Our ability to truly help our customers through this program is exciting for First Bank, but more importantly, we can see the positive impact in our community and that really matters.” 

Grateful Alaskans

While First Bank was helping residents in Southeast Alaska, homeowners from across the state were receiving vital help. For many, Homeowner Assistance meant the difference between keeping their homes and possibly becoming homeless. 

Graphic quotes an Alaska Housing Homeowner Assistance recipient expressing her gratitude for receiving financial help.

Additional Information

The application period for Alaska Housing Homeowner Assistance closed April 4, 2022 and AHFC is no longer accepting new applications nor appeals to apply.