Powered by Partnerships in Planning

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of households faced rent insecurity seemingly overnight. What quickly unfolded was one of the nation’s biggest housing challenges. The response in Alaska was defined by partnerships stretching across communities to keep Alaskans housed.

In October 2025 these community partners, case managers and program leaders gathered in Anchorage for ERA of Unity, a two-day convening hosted by AHFC’s Planning Department in collaboration with the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. According to Daniel Delfino, Planning Director, “the event honored the people and partnerships that made the impact of Alaska Housing Rent Relief and Housing Stabilization and Recovery go beyond initial expectations."

Participants, including many case managers, reflected on the impact of their work. “We put wins on the wall,” one said. “No matter how small—a win is a win. School, treatment, therapy—those moments matter.”

Trust was central to the success of these programs, explained John Rozzi, executive director of Valley Charities He noted, “A lot of states didn’t know who to talk to. Trust in these small communities made everything possible.”

From creation of a call center to tribal housing partnerships, these collaborations enabled rapid deployment of aid without compromising due diligence. According to Delfino, income verification processes that were above and beyond program requirements prevented more than $40 million in potential fraud.

Stories shared throughout the event underscored how programs made a difference in the lives of Alaskans. One case manager said she personally delivered flowers and baked goods to a landlord who had rented to a client previously turned away elsewhere.

“These programs helped us serve people we would not otherwise have been able to serve," said the late Doreen Schenkenberger, CEO of Partners for Progress.

Through data collection, landlord relationships, rural construction or advocacy, every partner who attended shared the same goal of ensuring Alaskans have safe, stable homes.

A Legacy of Unity

The partnerships formed through Alaska Housing Rent Relief and Housing Stabilization and Recovery built a blueprint for future statewide housing responses said Delfino. “There are huge barriers to housing but conversations like these are what lower them.”

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Learn about AHFC’s Housing Stabilization & Recovery, a pandemic-era initiative to get people off the streets, out of shelters and into stabilized housing

See a timeline of Alaska Housing Rent Relief and read stories from renters, landlords, program navigators, planners and partnering housing authorities.