Tuesday, May 28 2013 5:57PM
New federal funding will help Juneau construction more affordable housing units.
The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) will extend $7.6 million in federal grants and low-income housing credits to several groups to be put toward the construction of 40 affordable housing units in Juneau. The funds coupled with a Rasmuson Foundation grant will help cover the costs of the $10 million project.
The agency noted that 15 of the housing units will be open to all citizens, and that rental rates will be capped. However, the remaining 25 housing units will be available for low-income residents as a means of providing affordable housing assistance to those making between $21,163 and $48,920 or those with disabilities. The housing will feature an on-site support service coordinator and high energy efficiency standards.
"I'm very pleased with how fast the process has moved; taking fewer than six months to go from accepting applications to awarding the project," said AHFC Executive Director and CEO Dan Fauske. "If everything works according to plan, groundbreaking will happen this summer."
A new report reveals that midway through a 10-year plan to end homelessness in Alaska, efforts have been largely ineffective at significantly reducing the number of individuals and families facing poverty, according to KTVA Alaska. The number of those facing homelessness has remained static since 2009, prompting more calls to bolster programs and provide more affordable housing assistance.
For more information, check out this resource: Alaska Housing Finance Corporation