About the Project
Building a welcoming community to provide safe interim homes and connections to resources for our unhoused senior neighbors.
In Our Backyard is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by members of Central Lutheran Church in Anchorage, Alaska. As a community, we are called to share God’s love with all. We believe in living out God’s abundant grace and love through worship, learning, fellowship and service.
In Our Backyard is an opportunity to be proactive in addressing the needs of our unhoused neighbors. With support from multiple faith-based organizations, community groups, nonprofits, and local agencies, this project will serve as a model for other organizations to support unhoused community members in their own neighborhoods. Together, we are working to:
- Build modular structures
- Create site infrastructure
- Create services infrastructure
- Engage a community volunteer network
- Transition people to permanent housing
- Provide a replicable small-scale shelter model for other Anchorage groups
Mission
Building a welcoming community to provide safe interim homes and connections to resources for our unhoused senior neighbors.
Vision
Creating a community where everyone is housed.
Values
- Respect
- Compassion
- Welcome
- Collaboration
Who?
Data from the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH) reveals that 27.1% of people experiencing houselessness in the Anchorage area fall in the age range of 45-64. Similar findings from Lutheran Social Services support the need for targeted transitional housing services for this age group. In response to this demonstrated need, In Our Backyard will serve single elders or couples who are in need of transitional housing while they wait for permanent housing to become available.
Occupant Criteria:
- Age 50 and older
- Singles or couples
- Ability to live independently
- No alcohol or marijuana use on site
- No substance abuse on site
- Not on sex offender registry
- Minimum monthly fee will be held in savings and returned to occupant when they enter permanent housing
- Signed Occupant Agreement
What?
The first phase of this project includes six (6) interim housing shelters located in the parking lot of Central Lutheran Church, along with a combined restroom and shower trailer facility. Each shelter is outfitted with a bed, heater, fridge, microwave, and other basic amenities. Four of the shelters are sized for individual occupants (64 square feet), and two of the shelters are sized for couples (96 square feet).
Click here to view the conceptual graphics that helped bring our vision to life!
Where?
The shelters reside on the west side of the upper parking lot at Central Lutheran Church.
Central’s midtown location and proximity to public transit, medical offices, the Anchorage Senior Center, and other social services make it the ideal location for a transitional housing facility for our houseless senior neighbors. The mission of In Our Backyard closely aligns with many other programs Central supports, including the Family Emergency Cold Weather Shelter, Helping Hands Closet, Clare House, Foot & Wound Clinic, and Listening Post. With plenty of space available to host the proposed shelters, Central is called to share God’s love by welcoming unhoused neighbors into our backyard.
How?
- Christian Health Associates and Lutheran Social Services of Alaska will provide project guidance and mentorship for Board members.
- Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH) will screen potential occupants for individuals who will likely be successful utilizing the interim supportive housing and willingly work with case managers to find permanent housing.
- ACEH will provide case managers.
- Bean’s Cafe will provide free meals.
- Support from St. John Methodist Church, First Covenant Church, other faith groups and local businesses.
- Space on Central Lutheran’s property to place shelters.
- Space in Central Lutheran for an office for a case manager to meet with occupants (10-12 hours per week)
- Funding from grass roots efforts, foundations, grants.
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