Maximizing Opportunities to Achieve His Goals

Randon wanted to maximize his opportunities to build the life he dreamed about for himself and his family.

Despite facing financial uncertainty and career setbacks during the Covid-19 pandemic, he made a jumpstart toward his goals through a combination of rental assistance, education, financial incentives and career progression.

Randon moved to Alaska from Utah in 2012, drawn by the possibility of adventure. He started in Skagway, working seasonal jobs for two summers before moving to Ketchikan to work as a tour guide. His daughter was born while he was working in Ketchikan and Randon realized he wanted to stay in Alaska year-round but in a community where work was less tourist driven.

Randon moved to Homer where he met Shelby, now his wife. The pair were both working in the hospitality industry when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. They both lost their jobs and insurance during this uncertain time and Randon realized he wanted something different for his future.

An Introduction to Alaska Housing

During the early days of the pandemic, Randon heard about rental assistance through Alaska Housing Finance Corporation and applied. It took time before his family moved to the top of the waitlist but they eventually received a Housing Choice Voucher to use in the private rental market.

“We had been renting the same property for years and our landlady was willing to accept the voucher,” he says. “We felt really lucky.”

By the time they were able to use their voucher assistance, Randon said that he and Shelby were both working again but the rental assistance still took a weight off their shoulders. The help allowed them to begin rebuilding their savings and gain stability. Beyond the rental subsidy, Randon found support through AHFC staff members and resources.

A Supportive Community

“When I first started with AHFC rental assistance, Inge was my point of contact in the office and she was very direct and helpful,” Randon says.

“There were some necessary repairs that needed to be made at the property and Inge advocated for us, mediating with our property managers and getting the necessary fixes made. Shortly after, my landlady and I built our own relationship and I took over managing the property for her. It’s been great working with her directly.”

When AHFC’s Landlord Appreciation became available, Randon says he was happy to be able to show his thanks. Randon and his landlady decided to renew their lease agreement and as a result the landlady benefited from a $1,000 “thank you” from AHFC.

“I’m pretty sure she put those funds right back into property repairs,” Randon says. “But it was nice that we could help her out like she has helped us.”

Getting a Jumpstart

The housing voucher reduced the amount that Randon’s family paid in rent each month and the benefits extended further. An unexpected AHFC resource allowed Randon to accelerate progress toward his goals.

“Inge mentioned Jumpstart and said that if I was willing, we could explore benefits and incentives offered through the program,” Randon recalls.

“I was about to start school but wasn’t totally sure how to make it happen. I was able to get financial assistance through Jumpstart and was later awarded an AHFC education scholarship. The financial assistance has helped me with two full semesters of school.”

Through Jumpstart, participants have the opportunity to achieve a total of $5,000 in incentives, along with a potential savings match. Randon says that he has applied all his incentives towards his education.

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“I knew that for me, paying for my education was going to be the most beneficial way to use Jumpstart to help me get what I want out of life.” - Randon, Jumpstart Participant, Homer

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Randon enrolled in classes through the University of Alaska Anchorage, taking courses online and at the Kenai Peninsula College campus, while he started a new career as an emergency dispatcher.

“I had spent a long time in the food industry and I made survivable money but there was no incentive beyond keeping my home lit and warm, and food on the table,” said Randon.

“During the pandemic, we had no emergency fallback. I realized I wanted a job that would provide benefits and allow me to put money away for retirement.”

“I took a lot on at once and there was a learning curve but it felt good to be busy in the right ways,” he says. “Things started falling into place: guaranteed hours, a steady income and health insurance. While working full time I’ve also been knocking out college classes as I’m able, usually taking two or three classes per semester.”

Randon started by taking general education classes before deciding to pursue an Applied Science Degree in the Radiology Technician Program. He says it’s been challenging to navigate being a student while also working nights and showing up for his family, but Jumpstart has helped him to stay driven as he works toward his goals. He says that Wanda, AHFC Jumpstart case manager, has been invaluable throughout this process.

“Wanda is so supportive,” he says. “She has great insight and I’ve found a lot of benefit by working with her to set goals and stick to them.”

Putting Down Roots

With a steady career and his educational goals on track, Randon and Shelby are now working toward homeownership with the help of USDA funding offered through RuralCAP. Their dream is to own their own house in Homer, the community that now feels like home. Randon says they expect their funding to come through in about a year.

“It took a while for us to get our ducks in a row since we had both worked seasonal jobs for so long. But through RuralCAP, there was a person who walked us through the entire process: understanding what lenders will need from us, educating us on the homebuying process and putting us on the right path to be deemed eligible.”

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“Homeownership represents becoming rooted in a way I’ve never felt before. I feel at home here in our rental and our landlady is amazing, but making a home your own is empowering in a way I’ve been striving for my whole life.” - Randon, Jumpstart Participant, Homer

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Maximizing Opportunities

To those who are looking for a way to improve their lives and considering AHFC’s Jumpstart course, Randon has advice:

“If you really want to make a change in your life it will take work and sacrifice but programs like Jumpstart will really help you if you put the work in. Don’t settle for basic incentives. Really look into it and see how you can maximize every opportunity to achieve your most important goals. Don’t accept the bare minimum for your life. Go for it.”