Email from Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness Testify this Thursday or send in written comments Greetings, Call to Action: Speak Up for Housing Stability 🚨 This Thursday afternoon, April 29, there will be an opportunity for public testimony on the state capital budget — and your voice is urgently needed. We’re calling on community members, advocates and partners to urge restoration of Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) funds. These funds are critical to keeping people housed, preventing displacement and supporting vulnerable households across our communities. The governor's budget proposed a 50% cut to $5 million, down from $10.15 million in the current year. Look for the item on the bottom of page 3 of the governor's proposal. 📢 How you can help: Show up and testify (in person or by phone) Share your story or speak to the impact of HAP funding Encourage others to participate Send in written comments to [email protected] any time. In subject line write: Restore Homeless Assistance Program in capital budget 🗓 Upcoming hearing: This Thursday, April 29. SB214, the Senate version of the capital budget, is before the House Finance Committee. ⏰Time: Hearing begins at 4:30 p.m. Call in starting at 4:20 p.m. Don't wait too long or testimony may be closed. 🎯Focus: Restore HAP funding in the capital budget How to call in: If you are in Anchorage, 907-563-9085. If you are in Juneau, 907-586-9085. Anywhere else in Alaska, 844-586-9085. Be prepared to give your name, organization if applicable, the committee (House Finance) and the bill (SB214). You'll be put in the queue. In person: Go to your local Legislative Information Office. 🗣 Sample testimony / talking Points (1–2 minutes): This is just a guide. Please make it your own and include local impact stories if possible. Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to testify. My name is [Your Name], and I’m a [resident/community member/advocate] from [Your Community]. I’m here to strongly urge you to restore funding for the Homeless Assistance Program in the capital budget. HAP funds play a critical role in keeping people safely housed. Without this support, many individuals and families face increased risk of eviction, displacement and homelessness. At a time when housing costs remain high and many are still recovering financially, cutting or reducing these funds would have serious consequences for our communities. Stable housing is the foundation for health, education and economic opportunity. When people have a safe place to live, communities are stronger, and public systems face less strain. I respectfully ask that you prioritize restoring HAP funding to ensure that people can remain in their homes and our communities can thrive. Thank you for your time and consideration. Even a brief statement can have a real impact—please consider speaking up. Jessica Parks, Interim Executive Director Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness [email protected] Brian Wilson, Executive Director Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness [email protected] Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness | 3427 E. Tudor Road Suite A | Anchorage, AK 99507 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Our Privacy Policy | Constant Contact Data Notice