IAC to be Awarded $1.1 million Grant

FAIRBANKS, Alaska, Nov. 23, 2020 – Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and stalking victims will be better served by Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living thanks to the nonprofits’ grant application and successful award. The federally-funded grant is being used to address the needs and challenges of serving Fairbanks’ at-risk and homeless population during the COVID-19 crisis. Funds will be used to make critical upgrades to the emergency shelter that will allow it to increase capacity, provide temporary staff support, transition families to permanent housing, and partnerships with other community partners will provide rental assistance and case management for approximately 75 residents at 50% of adjusted median income in Fairbanks ($45,550). Of the $5 million awarded statewide from Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living is awarded $1,105,000.

“Too often we see survivors of domestic violence stay with their abuse because there is no safe place for them to go,” said AHFC CEO/Executive Director Bryan Butcher. “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 safe and warm. This grant will allow Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living to increase the number of Alaskans it serves while adding safety measures to protect its clients, workers and ultimately, the community.”

The agency’s request includes funding to repair the shelter’s roof where water is breaching interior walls,bringing three family rooms back into service and adding walls to add quarantine space and additional rooms that could serve an additional eight survivors. Upgraded sanitation measures in shared spaces will make the entire building safer for residents. A temporary staff member will be hired to assist young children with their schoolwork allowing for mothers to focus on retaining or acquiring employment or caring for other children. AHFC’s grant will pay for enhanced internet to allow the facility’s children to attend virtual school without disruption.

The Fairbanks Housing and Homeless Coalition has supported the agency’s grant request and will support community-wide rapid rehousing efforts and rental assistance to avert eviction of families in temporary financial distress.

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