How we connect the pieces
A message from Interim Executive Director Jessica Parks
As we enter a new year, I’m reminded that building a future for our unhoused neighbors isn’t only about constructing homes or converting hotels into housing as essential as that is. It’s about strengthening the system that surrounds them. Together with our partners, we focus on building a true coalition: one that is strong and flexible, resilient and effective, ready to offer help when, where and how it’s needed.
This past year reaffirmed our community’s shared commitment to making homelessness in Anchorage rare, brief and one-time.
Strengthening the Foundation
Homelessness doesn’t happen in a vacuum — and neither does the work of ending it. Generational trauma, economic pressures, and major societal shifts all play a role. Our community is responding with supports that match individual needs — whether that’s education, healthcare, treatment, job training, childcare or navigation of services — all leading toward stable, affordable housing.
In 2025, we co-hosted a statewide conference with the Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness to elevate networking, encourage new partnerships and showcase successful models like Chief Seattle Club, a Native-led housing and services agency, and HomePlate Nome, which now provides permanent housing to 15 people who had been chronically homeless.
Our Role in the System
At the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness, we connect the pieces: coordinating services, supporting partners, sharing data, monitoring trends, and helping to secure resources. We work to keep shelter beds flowing, lead citywide efforts like Project Homeless Connect and the annual Point-in-Time Count, and bring new voices and partners into the work, including those with lived experience in homelessness.
Looking Ahead
Building a future for our unhoused neighbors means building an approach to homelessness that centers individual needs and is supported by a communitywide framework.
With your partnership, I’m confident we can continue moving Anchorage toward a place where homelessness is truly rare, brief and one-time.
Reach out to us anytime at communications@aceh.org to learn how you can play a role.
With gratitude,