Author: Julie

What goes on behind the scenes at In Our Backyard? How is everything going? I get those questions quite often, so in the next couple of articles, I wanted to highlight just how things happen and who makes it so. Carol Norquist, longtime member of Central Lutheran Church, is our treasurer. Steve and I asked… Read more

In Our Backyard was named a ‘Runner Up’ in the Single-Family Small Houses Under 900 Sq. Ft. category of this year’s Building Excellence Award presented by the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA). Now in its 23rd year, the trade association’s offsite construction award program recognizes standout residential and commercial projects that illustrate the thermal performance, design… Read more

Several board members spent the night in the tiny cabins in early December to make sure everything was in working order before guests moved in. We discovered that the motion sensor lights are very bright and stay on for too long, the beds are very comfortable, the design of the cabins helps keep out noise… Read more

On November 24, 2024, we had a ribbon cutting ceremony for In Our Backyard. Bishop Tim Oslovich read a land acknowledgement, Vicar Zach Manzella blessed the cabins and land and Mayor Suzanne LaFrance gave a short speech and cut the ribbon. All of this work would not have been possible without the tireless work of… Read more

From the Anchorage Daily News: ‘Kindness is contagious’: Every Alaskan has a story. Presented by Rasmuson Foundation. “… Many Alaskans help each other on a one-off, individual basis. But it takes a community that’s used to helping each other to pull off more ambitious and long-term projects, like the transitional housing launched by In Our Backyard.… Read more

Last weekend, In Our Backyard hosted an Open House at Central Lutheran Church for members of public to gather and learn about the project. The event began with a tour of the recently constructed shelters and grounds, then ended with a formal Q&A session inside the church sanctuary. Over 200 people attended! The support and… Read more

Next Saturday, October 26th, any and all community members are invited to gather at Central Lutheran Church to hear from our Board of Directors about the incredible progress we have made at In Our Backyard over the past several months. There will be an opportunity to ask questions, receive a tour of the site, and… Read more

Dear Friends of In Our Backyard, So much has happened since my last update in June.  We have raised approximately $160,000 through donations ranging from $10 to $10,000.  Board members have presented to multiple faith based groups, Lions’ clubs, civic organizations, Rotary groups, and community councils citywide.  We have professionals donating their services for architecture, electrical… Read more

Anchorage locals unwrapped their newspapers on August 14th, 2024 to find our story featured on the front page, above the fold. Featuring interviews with our Board Chair, Julie Graham, and Vicar Zach Manzella, the story highlights the goals, challenges, and achievements of In Our Backyard. Read the full article on ADN.com. Read more

In Our Backyard is quickly gaining recognition across the Anchorage community, with the most recent media coverage coming from Alaska Public Media. Journalist Jeremy Hsieh spent time with our Board Chair, Julie Greene-Graham, to learn more about our mission and the progress we have achieved to-date. Julie shared details of the project’s expenses, occupant eligibility,… Read more