The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation received $10 million through the Revised Program Legislative process to help prevent homelessness across the State of Alaska. Governor Mike Dunleavy signed House Bill 313 Ratifying RPLS/COVID-19 funding on May 22, 2020.
AHFC has developed a program that offers both rent and mortgage relief, and is intended to serve the greatest number of Alaskans as quickly as possible while also adhering to U.S. Treasury guidance and responsibly distributing funds to those in need.
Alaskans experiencing loss of income due to COVID-19 can apply for up to one month of mortgage or rent relief not to exceed $1,200. This is not a first-come, first-serve program. The application window will open June 15-June 26, 2020.
AHFC will pool all names using an established best practice in public housing then run a randomized statewide lottery. Those at the top of the lottery will be required to provide AHFC with information that verifies their identity, loss of income that occurred as a result of COVID-19, proof of monthly rent or payments that go toward mortgage principal and interest, and information about their landlord or mortgage servicer so payment can be made on the recipients’ behalf. Payment will be made to the landlord or servicer.
Alaskans can learn more about program eligibility at AlaskaHousingRelief.org The website will begin accepting applications on Monday, June 15, 2020, and will accept them through 11:59 p.m. AKDT on June 26, 2020. First payments are scheduled for distribution in July.
Renters or Homeowners in Alaska who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and whose household income is now less than 80% of Area Median Income can determine income eligibility in each community by visiting https://www.alaskahousingrelief.org/check-eligibility.
Only one application is permitted per household. Families receiving public housing assistance from AHFC are not eligible for this program but may receive rent relief under another program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. https://www.ahfc.us/blog/posts/apply-reduced-rent Following submission of their initial application, Alaskans will receive a confirmation notice by the email or text address they provided. The window to apply for housing relief closes at 11:59 p.m. on June 26, 2020. The lottery will be conducted the following week and participants will be notified as funding is available. Visit AlaskaHousingRelief.org or call or text RELIEF to (833) 440-0420.
