Tiny Homes for Anchorage Homeless Expected in Time for Holidays

“This pilot project exemplifies Anchorage’s commitment to finding innovative solutions for homelessness and the substance use epidemic. It’s clear that making real progress requires all of us working together, committed to trying out new ideas and finding effective solutions,” says LaFrance.

Each microunit is 8 feet by 12 feet and equipped with electricity to operate a microwave oven and a refrigerator. Each unit also has hooks and shelving for personal belongings, along with a twin XL bed.

Following Central Lutheran’s Lead

The nonprofit In Our Backyard built similar microunit housing in 2024. Six interim housing shelters are located in the parking lot of Central Lutheran Church, along with a communal restroom and shower trailer facility. Four shelters are 64 square feet for individual occupants, and two are 96 square feet for couples. Each shelter is outfitted with a bed, heater, refrigerator, microwave oven, and other basic amenities. The interim housing serves the transitional needs of occupants aged 50 and older while they await the availability of permanent housing.

Julie Greene-Graham, board chair of In Our Backyard, notes that living arrangements have a significant impact on the lives of their residents, from securing personal belongings to accessing Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. She explains that anytime one of their residents moved between temporary shelters, they would find it challenging to communicate those changes, so benefits sometimes got lost in the mail.

“Even something as simple as being able to turn on the light switch matters,” explains Greene-Graham. “In shelters, this isn’t something they can control, but in their own residence, it is. Not only does it create a sense of safety, but it can also foster independence.”

So far, In Our Backyard has proven successful with several interim residents transitioned to permanent housing. Board Secretary Betsy Baker says few stay the full nine months allowed in their program.

“From the outset, we wanted to build a community with our guests and the broader neighborhood,” says Baker. “After ten months, we’re getting there. People in our program care about each other.”

Although interim housing shelters play a key role in both the Microunits for Recovery Residences project and In Our Backyard, Baker notes that the two programs are different. A smaller number of interim housing units means that a single volunteer serves as the case manager. With a larger program like the one outlined by LaFrance, which serves people with specific needs, Baker anticipates it will require a more extensive staffing structure.

If all goes as planned, the municipality’s microunits could be finished by Thanksgiving. Visser says his company has made significant progress building the microunits on municipal land near Elmore Road and Tudor Road since the project began in late August. By mid-October, he expects crews will be working on the microunits’ roofing and the exterior finish.

The Anchorage Community Development Authority will manage the property, but a facilities operator is still undecided.