Time Is Running out to Apply for Alaska Housing Rent Relief

Estimated 40,000 Alaskans owe back rent/mortgage

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, March 3, 2021 – Only hours are left for Alaska renters to apply for rent and utility relief through Alaska Housing Relief. This federally funded program may be able to provide up to 12 months of rent and utility assistance to Alaskans who have been impacted by COVID-19, meet certain financial criteria, live in an overcrowded household or are at risk of violence.

“We know the need is great,” said Bryan Butcher, CEO/executive director of Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, the agency charged with administering the program on behalf of the State of Alaska. “Last week UAA’s Center for Economic Development told legislators that 40,000 Alaskans are not current on their rent and mortgage, and 60,000 have ‘slight’ or ‘no’ confidence in their ability to make the next payment.”

As of this morning, 22,821 Alaskans had applied for Rent Relief, requesting $12,284 on average to clear arrearages and address future needs. Of that total, 7,224 requested an average of $998 in home heating/electric utility relief. Nearly one quarter of applicants have said they have been unemployed for more than 90 days; 12% have received eviction notices; 4% say they feel unsafe at home. 

The deadline to apply for Alaska Housing Rent Relief is 11:59 p.m., this Friday, March 5, 2021. The application process is easy and confidential. It takes fewer than five minutes to check eligibility and a few minutes more to apply at AlaskaHousingRelief.org. Alaskans are welcome to call or text the word “relief” toll-free to 1-844-330-8290. Those who previously received federally funded housing assistance are eligible to participate but must apply for this new program. Payments will be directed to landlords, property managers and utility companies. 

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For 50 years, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation has provided Alaskans access to safe, quality and affordable housing through home financing, energy efficiency and weatherization, public housing and more. Since 1986, Alaska Housing has contributed more than $2 billion to the State of Alaska's General Fund.