Building Community and Peace at Chugach Manor

Patricia was living with her son and family when she made the decision to seek independent living options. Soon after, she applied at AHFC's Anchorage Family Investment center for housing at one of Anchorage’s senior and accessible properties.

“I took my son aside and I told him ‘You know what, it's time for me to move on. You guys got your own family. I gotta go. I have to move my own self.’”

A few years later and Patricia is a familiar face in the halls and common rooms of Chugach Manor, initiating and leading many of the community events and gatherings which offer opportunities for resident to gather, socialize and enjoy food.

Building a Life on Both Sides of the Pacific

Patricia was born in Honolulu before moving and building a life in Kona on the Big Island. In 2002, she made the nearly 3000 mile move to Anchorage. One of her pastimes at Chugach Manor is practicing speaking Hawaiian with several other residents.

She studied for and received her GED and grew her work experience in a range of roles, starting in volunteer positions and transitioning to paid administrative work in Hawaii and Alaska. “I had to build myself in order to get to where I was,“ Patricia said.

Moving to Anchorage was a decision made in tandem with her husband, in part due to an expansion of their church. Patricia has made Alaska her home, “I just love this place. Living in Alaska is great.”

When her friends ask her if she misses beaches and barbecues, she responds, “I can barbecue out here when the snow melts – what's wrong with that?”

Encouraging Community at Chugach Manor

Now a three-year resident at Chugach Manor, Patricia is truly settled in.

She particularly enjoys group activities. Barbeques, crochet gatherings and Saturday movies are some of the happenings that set the rhythm for life at Chugach Manor. Patricia plays an active role in organizing them.

“I like talking with people,” she says. “People come down, bring some desserts or refreshments and we all join each other in this community room.”

She finds joy in connecting with others, whether it’s cooking meals for herself and friends, enjoying coffee in common areas or watching television together.

Patricia has helped build a vibrant community and, in the process, has found the independence she sought. Chugach Manor offered her the chance to find not only her own space but also the feeling she ultimately associates with home — peace.

 “I was so happy I moved here because I get my own space… Living here is peaceful.”

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Patricia encourages people wondering about their situation to call Alaska 2-1-1 or another resource. 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. 

“You need to pick up that phone," Patricia says. "If you need help, the first step is to ask for that help.”​​​​​​​

To learn more about AHFC's rental assistance programs, visit ahfc.us/tenants.