A message from The Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH) and The Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness (AKCH2):
During a 04/07/20 press conference, Governor Dunleavy announced the FY 2021 enacted budget with several vetoes. You can read the Press Release for the FY2021 Budget at: Governor Signs FY2021 Budget, Utilizes Federal COVID-19 Funds. See the chart below for a comparison of the four major homeless services funding streams over the last three budget cycles:
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*In FY20 AHFC was able to braid SNHG and HAP funding to create 100% renewed funding for existing SNHG grantees and 80% funding HAP grantees resulting in a 20% reduction of funds for HAP recipients.
Each of these funding sources plays an essential role in serving the most vulnerable in Alaska.
- The Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) provides homeless prevention supports (rental/utility emergency assistance), emergency shelter options, and the ability to be rapidly rehoused in multiple communities. The FY21 Enacted Budget increases HAP to $8,150,000. This is an increase of $3,660,000 over the FY20 Budget. It should be noted that HAP sustained a $3,2500,000 decrease from FY19 to FY21 via budget vetoes. Essentially the increase in the FY21 Enacted Budget restores HAP to just slightly above FY19 funding. Click here to find more information in the Mental Health Bill (Page 13, Line 21).
- The Special Needs Housing Grant (SNHG) operating dollars and housing vouchers provide long-term rental assistance for seventeen successful housing programs targeting the most vulnerable homeless population. The FY21 Enacted Budget decreases HAP to $1,700,000. This is a decrease of $2,000,000 from the FY20 Budget. The decrease in the FY21 Enacted Budget take SNHG funding flat to the FY19 Budget. Click here to find more information in the Mental Health Bill (Page 13, Line 23).
- The Human Services Community Matching Grant (HSCMG) & Community Initiative Matching Grants (CIMGP) programs provide funding to prevent and alleviate challenges for those with serious mental or physical hardships. HSCMG is one of the only funding streams to support operations for safety net services like basic shelter and food provision. The FY21 Enacted Budget maintains flat funding for both HSCMG and CIMGP. Click here to find more information in the Operating Bill (Page 20, Line 16 & 20).
The Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness (AKCH2) and the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH) would like to first and foremost thank you for all your advocacy around homeless services in the last year. From speaking out in support of reversing budget vetoes last summer to visiting your state legislators in February during the 2020 Alaska Statewide Housing Advocacy Day, your efforts to fight for vulnerable Alaskans have made a difference!
Upon initial analysis ACEH and AKCH2 are pleased that the proposed budget does not include significant cuts to the already limited funds for homeless services and restores funding level to just slightly over the FY19 budget. We also recognize that since 2009 when HAP and SNHG were initiated, homeless service funding has been relatively flat. When inflation is factored in, this translates to a loss and that for over a decade, providers have been doing more with less. We are disappointed to see the vetoes to the AHFC Energy Programs Weatherization and Medicaid, as they will have a direct link to homelessness. We also share concern over the $5,000,000 that was vetoed from the budget for Alaska Housing Finance Corporation for the purpose of preventing homelessness caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), although it has been stated that this will be funded by the CARES Act instead.
As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together as a community, we know that we will have to ramp up our advocacy efforts to stay the course of our shared mission to make homelessness rare, brief and one-time. Thank you again for advocating to build a Homeless Responses System that will be able to provide the necessary resources to those experiencing homelessness, to prevent new individuals from entering into homelessness and to make sure every Alaskan has a home!!!
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People Mover transitioned to demand-based service on April 8, 2020
People Mover will temporarily suspend ALL fixed-route service. A limited number of essential rides will be provided by AnchorRIDES to the general public for critical trips only. The expanded demand-based service will begin on Wednesday, April 8. Fixed route bus service will continue through 11:59 p.m. on April 8, at which time it will be suspended until further notice.
The new guidelines include the following:
- Trips may only be scheduled for travel to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and/or critical jobs.
- Riders must enroll and schedule trips 1 to 7 days in advance online (link here) or by calling (907) 343-6543.
- Same-day service will not be available.
- Following CDC's social distancing recommendations, passengers will be limited to one (1) person onboard at any time. Personal Care Attendants (PCA) will be allowed, if necessary.
These changes will remain in effect until further notice. For more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/trkx3d2.
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ACEH HAS TWO NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES!
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