I am deeply committed to combating homelessness in Anchorage. Through significant investments in affordable housing and a focus on providing supportive housing options, the Assembly has dedicated itself to tackling this complex and enduring issue meaningfully and comprehensively.
I’m proud to have played a part in the significant investments made in affordable housing through the allocation of $39.5 million in alcohol tax and federal relief funds. These funds have been critical in supporting Anchored Home, our municipality’s homelessness response program.
Throughout my tenure, I have prioritized housing in our homelessness response, recognizing the importance of providing affordable and supportive housing options. That is why I was a vocal proponent of using the allocated funds to open a Complex Care shelter, workforce and supportive housing at the Guest House, and converting several hotels into housing.
In addition, I helped launch the Emergency Shelter Task Force, which created a comprehensive plan for identifying and funding emergency shelter needs in the winter of 2022-23 and beyond. This task force has been instrumental in ensuring that our community is prepared to provide shelter to those in need during the cold winter months.
To further support these efforts, I worked to create a dedicated section on the Assembly website focused on homelessness, providing a history of actions taken to address the issue and information on Navigation Center and Anchored Home. By doing so, we can better inform the public and ensure that our community is working together to combat homelessness through a multifaceted approach that addresses both immediate emergency needs and long-term housing solutions.
As a candidate for reelection, I am committed to continuing this work and building upon our successes to create a brighter future for our community. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Anchorage.