Alaska Renters Get Offer
To Register for Aid Funds
Alaska renters impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for up to 12 months of assistance to pay for their rent and/or utilities through a recently passed federal omnibus package.
Baranof Island Housing Authority, in partnership with Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, will provide a single reference and application portal for Sitka renters seeking more information and wishing to apply for the financial assistance.
Sitka residents can go to www.AlaskaHousingRelief.org to use an eligibility checker and register for the program. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. March 5.
“As the pandemic continues, more help is needed for those struggling to pay their monthly rent,’’ said Cliff Richter, BIHA’s executive director. ‘‘This new program will provide rent relief to a great number of Sitkans. Our partnership with AHFC simplifies the application process and allows residents to learn more and apply online at AlaskaHousingRelief.org from their phones, tablets and computers. If any local help is needed, just call BIHA at 747-5088 – our office staff is available and ready to assist.”
BIHA and other regional housing authorities, the Municipality of Anchorage and AHFC received separate federally funded awards that combine to total more than $200 million. Each entity independently decided to avoid confusion by partnering to provide residents with a single access point for assistance.
“Our partnership cuts through the red tape, leverages our individual connections and resources but ultimately brings peace of mind to those who have lost income and are seeking help,’’ said AHFC CEO/Executive Director Bryan Butcher. ‘‘They now have to look to a single place: AlaskaHousingRelief.org.”
The relief is available to renters who have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and meet area income criteria defined by the federal government, which in Sitka is an annual income of less than $71,280.
Eligibility requirements for spending the money are set by the U.S. Department of Treasury as a condition of the FY2021 Omnibus and COVID Relief and Response Act that was signed into law at the end of 2020. Mortgage relief is not an eligible expense.
Under Alaska Housing Rent Relief, up to 12 months of financial assistance can be provided to pay rent and/or utility expenses, including past due balances, with the possibility of extended
assistance for an additional three months. Payments will be directed to landlords, property managers and utilities.
Alaskans who previously received federally funded housing assistance are eligible to participate in this program. Additional information is available at www.AlaskaHousingRelief.org or by calling or texting the word “relief” to (833) 440-0420.
Southeast Storm
Assistance Offered
Alaskans impacted by the Southeast storm in December have until Feb. 26 to apply for State Individual Assistance.
Gov. Dunleavy issued a disaster declaration for the 2020 December Southeast storm on Dec. 5 and activated the state’s Individual Assistance program on Dec. 29 to help individual Alaskans and families who saw damages to their homes or needed temporary housing assistance.
After inspectors with FEMA and the state conducted a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment, Dunleavy requested federal assistance in the form of Public Assistance. The Public Assistance program is designed to help communities, government organizations, and certain non-profits make repairs to utilities, public buildings, and other critical infrastructure damaged by the declared event. In addition, the Public Assistance Disaster Declaration will reimburse communities and agencies for eligible response costs associated with the disaster event.
The PDA did not find levels of damage that would qualify for Federal Individual Assistance, but, the state’s Individual Assistance program is available for individual Alaskans and families that saw damages to their homes or needed temporary housing assistance.
For information about the state’s Individual Assistance program, or to apply for assistance, call 1-855-445-7131 or go to ready.alaska.gov.
Library to Offer
Craft Program
Sitka Public Library will offer its weekly Grab & Go bag program with free crafts for preschoolers throughout March.
Bags will be ready on March 6, 13, 20 and 27, and participants can pick them up anytime during the week. Craft projects are best for children ages 2 to 5. Registration is required and space is limited. Call 747 4020 to register. Registrations begin Sunday, Feb. 28.
