The Rasmuson Foundation has announced that private funders have matched the commitment made by the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska, to increase housing and services for those experiencing homelessness there. 

In addition to $6 million appropriated by the Anchorage Assembly, private funders including the foundation have committed $7 million to move people from shelter to housing. The plan is to move more than 700 people out of the Sullivan Arena and local hotels, where they have been since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Four projects will house those individuals.

“Nonprofit organizations already are providing excellent care in Anchorage to those most in need, but more services and more types of support are needed. Our philanthropic partners have wanted to do more, but they needed to see consensus among key players,” said Rasmuson Foundation president and CEO Diane Kaplan. “Productive negotiations by the workgroup have paid off, and we hope hundreds of Alaskans will live better lives as a result.”

Other private funders include Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Calista Corp., Chugach Alaska Corp., Doyon Ltd., Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska, Providence Alaska, and Weidner Apartment Homes. 

“The Municipality of Anchorage stands behind these public-private partnerships that will help our city’s most vulnerable get the resources they need to be healthy and successful,” said mayor Dave Bronson. “I look forward to working together with our community to make sure no one is without shelter or care.” 

(Photo Credit: Getty Images/photovs)