Transforming Lives Through Housing

Juneau Housing First, a collaborative that includes The Glory Hall emergency shelter and the permanent supportive housing facility Forget-Me-Not Manor, exists with the mission to end homelessness and achieve equity, health and dignity through housing, connection to services and community.

They do this exactly as their name suggests – by providing housing first to Alaskans who have experienced chronic homelessness and then working with residents to access other services.

For Assistant Director Sierra Ezrre, the housing-first philosophy is important as it allows residents to choose their path to success.

“Providing this safe place at Forget-Me-Not Manor allows residents to figure out what they specifically need, then they can come to us with those needs and we can help them,” she said.

“Whether it’s getting medical care, working on their sobriety or getting a job – it lets them find who they are.”

Executive Director Mariya Lovishchuk echoed that access to safe housing can be transformative.

“It’s amazing when you think of folks who have been on the streets and had interactions with the police several times a day or went to the emergency room several times a week,” she said. “When they come here, they’re the same people, but now they have access to services and safety. It completely changes what their life is.”

Partnering to Create Opportunities

Opened in two phases in 2015 and 2021, partnerships have been critical to the organization’s success. Juneau Housing First received much of its development funding for Forget-Me-Not Manor from GOAL grants administered by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. Currently, Forget-Me-Not Manor can house 64 residents. In 2023 the organization was awarded GOAL funding for development Phase 3, which will add 28 housing units in 2025.

Throughout all three phases, Juneau Housing First's funding has involved the participation of partners including the Rasmuson Foundation, The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and the local community. 

One of the first residents to benefit from these partnerships and move into Forget-Me-Not Manor about seven years ago was Mary, a mother of four who was able to change her life with help from Juneau Housing First.

Mary’s Story

Mary said she had been camping outside when she started experiencing health problems. “I felt my heart flopping around like a fish in my chest,” she said.

Thinking she might have a chest cold, Mary went to a doctor who told her that she had a heart condition that would require care. Her doctor cautioned her that unless she stopped drinking, she could die.

“I had to make choices of whether I wanted to live or not,” she said. “I don’t think I would have been able to do that without Juneau Housing First.”

Mary was offered a room at the newly opened housing facility and discovered that safe housing gave her the freedom to make different decisions for her future.

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“When I first moved in I wasn’t trying to get sober. But once you get into housing you have the freedom of being able to close your door if someone were to offer you what you’re addicted to. It’s the freedom of being able to say no and lock the door. You can’t make that choice on the street or in a shelter.” - Mary, Forget-Me-Not Manor resident, Juneau

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With help from the facility staff, who arranged transportation to medical appointments and reminded Mary to take her medications, Mary was able to care for her health while pursuing sobriety. Now, she says she no longer needs to see a cardiologist and can manage her heart condition independently.

When she thinks about the future, Mary says she wants to have her own place someday and spend holidays with her adult children.

“My boys are proud of the choices I’ve made,” she said. “They’ve visited me and they’re happy that I was able to do the things I’ve done since I’ve been here.”

Mary has accomplished a lot since moving into Forget-Me-Not Manor. She has a job, a driver’s license and pays rent. With these achievements, Mary has regained confidence and feels good about herself.

“I feel like I’m living again,” she said.

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We recognize that Mary’s story is exceptional and some Alaskans may be in need of safe, quality, affordable housing. If you require housing resources, we encourage you to contact Alaska 2-1-1. 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.