The Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. (RurAL CAP) purchased a six-unit apartment building on 100 Davis Street in the Russian Jack neighborhood of Anchorage on February 5, 2009, and will spend the next 6-8 months converting it to affordable housing units for people with mobility impairments and limited income. Renovations will consist of the addition of an elevator, day room, and energy efficiency upgrades. Three units will undergo major remodeling to include accessible kitchens and bathrooms.
This endeavor is part of RurAL CAP’s Affordable Housing program which currently manages 9 buildings with 50 rental units in the Anchorage area.

“RurAL CAP is proud to work with such committed community partners in increasing access to safe, secure and affordable housing,” says Melinda Freemon, Anchorage Services Division Director of RurAL CAP. Funding for this Affordable Housing project comes from a Municipality of Anchorage HOME grant and from the Rasmuson Foundation. RurAL CAP has also applied for funding support from the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority who are partners with RurAL CAP on several other housing projects in Anchorage. Access Alaska provided technical assistance.

RurAL CAP’s Affordable Housing program is a part of its Anchorage Services Division. The Affordable Housing program provides rental apartments to individuals with limited credit and rental history, and requires a person to pay rent, to care for an apartment, and to be a good neighbor as prerequisites for tenancy. RurAL CAP’s Anchorage Services Division also operates the Homeward Bound program in Anchorage, a 25-bed transitional living facility located in Mountain View that houses individuals interested in seeking a way out of homelessness.

RurAL CAP, a statewide, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, has been working to improve the quality of life for low-income Alaskans since 1965. RurAL CAP employed more than 700 people in 2008 with expenditures of over $20 million. It provides resources and services to enhance child and family development, improve housing, reduce energy costs, develop leadership, protect traditional uses of fish and game, promote environmental responsiveness, support health and wellness, develop and assist with community plans, and foster independent living. Child development programs including Head Start and Parents as Teachers are the largest of RurAL CAP services with more than 200 employees working in over 20 communities across the state.