Housing That is Affordable

The term "affordable housing" has misleading preconceptions attached. People think of "affordable housing" as substandard and/or subsidized low-income housing. This is not what we at SEDA are talking about. SEDA is referring to the need for housing that is affordable to residents at all income levels.

Many people in Sitka's workforce have a difficult time renting decent quality housing or purchasing their own home. There are two sides to this problem - income levels and housing costs. You probably know that SEDA works on issues and projects that relate to the creation of jobs that have income levels able to support the local cost of living. However, you may not know, SEDA is also working on issues and projects that directly address the lack of housing options for working people in the community.

Percent of Sitkans that pay more than 30% on housing-2015

 

The United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) defines affordable housing as a household that pays not more than 30% of its annual income on housing.

how SEDA supports Affordable housing

Advocates: SEDA is active in encouraging local leaders to address the need for development of housing options that are affordable for Sitka's working residents.

Research: SEDA staff look for opportunities to make housing more affordable in Sitka by researching what has worked and not worked in other communities and sharing this information with City representatives and the Sitka Community Development Corporation.

Data Tracking: SEDA staff track and review housing data from a variety of sources to get a better understanding of the local housing market and provide this data to the public through our website, annual presentations, the Sitka Community Profile, and to organizations and agencies that need this data to apply for grants.

Recommendations: SEDA develops proposals for actions the City and Borough can take to make it easier for development of affordable housing. One example is the Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance that was adopted in 2013 and allows for the construction of ADUs as a permitted use in certain residential zones. This was initiated and drafted by SEDA staff.

Networking: SEDA works with the Sitka Community Development Corporation on several issues related to housing affordability such as the potential for development of cottage communities and the creation of a community land trust.

Sitka Housing

Housing Programs and Resources

  • Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) is the State of Alaska’s Housing Authority. Launched before statehood, AHFC has a broad array of programs supporting home ownership, housing vouchers, subsidized housing, financial literacy, energy efficiency upgrades, and supportive housing.

  • Alaska’s Landlord Tenant Act covers deposits, limitations, and rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants of housing, including mobile home parks.

  • Cold Climate Housing Research Center promotes and advances the development of healthy, durable, and sustainable shelters for Alaskans and other circumpolar people providing energy-efficient prototype housing and product research. Consumer education on energy & housing issues.

  • Heating Assistance Program helps low-income families pay for heating homes.

  • Baranof Island Housing Authority BIHA assists Sitka Tribal citizens and other Sitka residents in collaboration with other agencies to achieve self-sufficiency and pride through affordable housing opportunities.

  • Rural Cap The Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. (RurAL CAP), is a private, statewide, nonprofit organization working to improve the quality of life for low-income Alaskans.

  • Southeast Alaska Building Industry Association promotes the construction industry and hosts Juneau’s annual Home Show each spring. Its members are recognized builders.

  • Homes for Sale in Sitka is a searchable database of homes listed for sale with licensed realtors.

  • Rentals in Sitka - Some websites that list rental properties: Facebook, and Classifieds listings in the Sitka Sentinel and the Sitka Soup. Some local realtors also list properties.

Supportive & Transitional Housing

  • Assisted Living  – The State of Alaska licenses and certifies assisted living homes and facilities and provides low-cost financing for the acquisition and upgrades of assisted living properties through Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. This link will take you to a page with a listing of all the licensed assisted living properties in the state.

  • AWARE Emergency Shelter provides transitional housing for women and children seeking refuge from domestic violence. It offers counseling, training, and other support for clients throughout Southeast Alaska. Expansion plans include 6 additional residential units.

  • Sitkans Against Family Violence (SAFV) provides a shelter with a capacity for 24 women and children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Shelter services are available for those in emergencies who need immediate safety as well as survivors of past trauma and abuse who need temporary, safe living conditions.

  • Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) helps people maintain independence and provides resources for ADA compliance, improving accessibility and allowing seniors to age in place.

  • Sitka Pioneer Home offers assisted living support as well as enrichment activities within smaller “communities” of residents, caregivers, and community volunteers.