Housing Authority Launches Program for Long-Term Success of Southeast Homeowners
In Juneau, Alaska, the Wells Fargo Foundation and Enterprise Community Partners have recently announced the winners of the 2023 Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. This national competition, backed by a substantial $20 million fund, seeks to discover and support innovative solutions for housing affordability, as highlighted in an Enterprise Community press release.
Among the six organizations recognized for their groundbreaking work, the Tlingit and Haida Regional Housing Authority (T&H Regional Housing Authority) stands out, having been awarded a significant $2 million grant. Each of the winning organizations received grants ranging from $2 million to $3 million, along with additional support from industry experts and peers. This support is aimed at helping these organizations scale their innovative strategies to enhance housing accessibility and affordability.
Jackie Pata, President and CEO of Tlingit & Haida Regional Housing Authority, shared insights into the organization’s background and its pivotal role in the community. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year, we reflect on the significant impact we’ve had in Southeast Alaska, especially in villages where housing options were limited,” she said. The Housing Authority was established during a time when Indian Housing Authorities were just beginning to emerge across the country, receiving federal funds to assist Alaskan Natives, American Indians, and now Native Hawaiians.
In Southeast Alaska, the T&H Regional Housing Authority has been reimagining sustainable housing solutions to meet the financial needs of rural Alaska and provide low-income tribal citizens with homeownership opportunities on tribal lands. A key objective of the organization is to enhance the financial education and capacity of over 100 families in the Juneau region.
Serving 14 tribes across Southeast Alaska, the housing authority initially focused on the most economically challenged communities, including Angoon, Kake, and Klawock. This focus led to the development of the Success Starts with Me (SSWM) program, which has been highly successful so far.
The SSWM initiative began just before the COVID-19 pandemic, with the regional housing authority mandating financial education classes for its staff. The positive impact of this initiative on the staff was a catalyst for expanding the program across Southeast Alaska. The recent $2 million grant is a significant boost, enabling the housing authority to advance the SSWM program further.
The T&H Regional Housing Authority’s efforts exemplify a proactive approach to addressing housing affordability and financial literacy in the region. By focusing on education and sustainable development, the organization is not only providing immediate housing solutions but also equipping families with the skills and knowledge to achieve long-term financial stability and success. The grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation and Enterprise Community Partners will undoubtedly play a crucial role in propelling these initiatives forward, benefiting communities across Southeast Alaska.
