Things are coming full circle, for the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness and for those we are helping. During a dynamic 2024, we strengthened partnerships with the Municipality of Anchorage and nonprofits and enacted a proven approach to bring the focus where it belongs: housing.
Over the past year, ACEH implemented a rapid rehousing program called Next Step that saw 177 people moving from shelter and the streets into supported housing.
One was Patricia. After years of off-and-on homelessness, she took the big step into stable housing in 2024. Now she not only has her own apartment, she has a job working to help other people at the same shelter where she was staying one short year ago. She was able to buy a car. In less than a year, she’s made real change.
The Next Step collaboration worked with case management providers, landlords and the municipality to ensure not only that people were supported, but that encampments were closed. Deep partnership was key.
In 2025, we hope to replicate those partnerships and successes. Let’s continue to build momentum in our community to keep supported housing as our person-centered solution to homelessness. Thanks to all who help with this work!
— Lisa Demer Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness, external relations director
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