United Way of Anchorage

Wells Fargo Foundation’s $25,000 donation furthers our work keeping people housed alongside the Alaska Court System’s Eviction Diversion Program. We’ve seen a spike in Alaskans relying on this program to help them mediate issues that, otherwise, could result in eviction. Once the court alerts our Housing team, we step in to pay court-approved, past-due rent, facilitated by our Landlord Housing Director, Karlo. If you'd like to learn more, check out our blog. We thank you for your support!

Amber works in Anchorage School District's Indigenous Education program and empowers students to make art that matters to them. She teaches them how to do traditional dances, bead and make qaspeqs, moccasins and fry bread. Amber’s encouragement earns students’ trust, and they often confide in her. “There was a kid who was sleeping on the floor, so I got ahold of United Way,” Amber recounts. “They helped us get a bed, bedding, blankets and food for the student too.” Your monetary donations help us provide more of these child-centered supports, which improves their school attendance and makes them feel valued. We are grateful for your continued support!

The United Way of Anchorage Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Eric Billingsley has been hired as the organization’s next president and CEO. A graduate of Chugiak HS and UAA, Eric grew up in Anchorage and has a strong connection to Northwestern Alaska. He brings many years of management, finance and leadership experience to United Way, including 15 years at NANA Regional Corporation, serving most recently as President of NANA Management Services.

Alaska’s suffering from few child care options, but Camp Fire Alaska’s working to expand them. Your support can help our community provide more child care options, learning environments and child-centered supports. Not only will they improve families’ financial stability today, they’ll nurture kids so they succeed and strengthen our community tomorrow. Learn more by reading our blog. 

Alaska 211 has tracked increases in mental health and addiction requests since 2007. National data shows that our state has the second highest suicide death rate in the U.S., and over 43% of adults here have reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. Heartbreakingly, this information corresponds with what Alaska 211 has learned. Unite with us to help make sure Alaskans can connect with services and resources that give them the help they need. 

“Every community member in the Anchorage area has benefitted from United Way’s work,” says Katie Bender. She helps her employer, Northrim Bank, Member FDIC, run its workplace campaign. Katie highlights that they encourage employees to donate “fair-share gifts,” which they suggest equates to a monthly donation of 150% of an employee’s hourly wage. Thank you, Katie and Northrim Bank for your support!

“My job is to recruit and finalize partnerships with local workplaces and connect them with Anchorage School District high school teachers,” Misha says. Your workplace can support ASD high schools. Learn more now.

Alaska 211 has learned a lot after responding to over a half million needs for assistance since we launched in 2007. What stands out? How Alaskans value personal interaction with our knowledgeable and compassionate community resource specialists. Discover this power in our 2023 Alaska 211 Annual Report. 

What barriers or challenges to education, financial stability and health have affected you? Please consider sharing them with us for our storytelling project to shine light on what’s holding our community back. You’ll receive a stipend between $50 and $150 along with food and beverages. To learn more and apply, check out our blog!

Students anywhere in our community with any background deserve fair, consistent learning paths, career preparedness, extracurricular activities and out-of-school opportunities. Learn how we’re advancing equitable educational opportunities on our blog.