Recent data shows a significant rise in homelessness in Alaska, but the story is more intricate than it seems.
Anchorage: A recent federal report revealed some tough news about homelessness in the U.S. It hit a record high in January 2024, with an 18.1% jump from the previous year. Alaska is feeling this too, with rising numbers in Anchorage and across the state.
But here’s the twist: while homelessness is increasing, so are the services available. More emergency shelters and outreach programs are popping up, and the counting methods are getting better. The Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness tries to count everyone experiencing homelessness every January, and the Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness surveys other areas.
Last January, Anchorage saw a staggering 53.8% increase in homelessness since 2019. Overall, Alaska’s numbers have risen by 40.8% since 2019, with 2,686 people experiencing homelessness in January 2024. Before that, the numbers were pretty stable, fluctuating around 1,800 to 2,000 people from 2012 to 2019.
Now, the counting method has its flaws. It’s just a snapshot taken on one night, so it often misses people, especially in rural areas. Brian Wilson, the executive director for the Alaska coalition, pointed out that many people couch surf or stay with family, which keeps them off the radar.
Alaska’s harsh winters make it tough too. Families often double or triple up in homes, leading to extreme overcrowding, especially in rural communities. Even in Anchorage, some folks slip through the cracks, like those sleeping in cars or outside who aren’t counted.
Wilson believes the rise in numbers reflects more emergency shelter beds being available since 2020. The total number of beds outside Anchorage jumped from 311 in 2019 to over 1,000 in 2024. When people find shelter, they get counted, which skews the numbers a bit.
In Anchorage, unsheltered homelessness has skyrocketed by 256.7% from January 2019 to January 2024. Large encampments have formed in various neighborhoods, and the number of people in emergency shelters rose by 38% during that time.
The pandemic changed how the city approached homelessness, opening mass shelters and funding outreach programs to connect with more unsheltered individuals. This led to more accurate counts, but it also highlighted the ongoing challenges.
In January 2023, Anchorage recorded 1,760 people experiencing homelessness. By last January, that number dropped slightly to 1,710, coinciding with increased housing efforts, including converting hotels into low-income housing.
However, the situation is shifting again. In September, the number of people moving into housing slowed, while many new individuals entered the system. By the end of November, Anchorage had at least 2,965 people experiencing homelessness, a jump of over 600 since August.
Homelessness tends to fluctuate throughout the year, with a noticeable increase in the fall as seasonal work ends and colder weather drives more people to seek help. Outreach programs ramp up during this time, capturing more individuals in need.
While large encampments grab headlines, much of the homelessness in Anchorage is less visible. Families are becoming homeless at alarming rates, with rising housing costs pushing many over the edge. Between 2023 and 2024, homelessness among families with children increased by 19.3% in Alaska.
Despite the challenges, Alaska saw a significant drop in chronic homelessness and homeless veterans. The state’s overall increase of 2.8% in homelessness was one of the smallest among states that saw year-over-year increases. The coalitions are preparing for the annual count later this month, hoping to get a clearer picture of the situation.
