12/01/2025
We are looking for potential board members who share a commitment to AHI’s mission and who will bring experience and understanding that will allow them to provide the leadership the organization needs. The combined Board will ideally include expertise in the following areas:
• Financial Management
• Legal
• Landlord/Property development and management
• Advocacy
• Faith-based group members
• IT experience
• Healthcare
• Formerly homeless individuals
• Individuals with 1 or more disabilities
“The Mission of Anchorage Housing Initiatives, Inc.: to provide access to decent, affordable, community-integrated housing in Southcentral Alaska for low to moderate-income persons who experience disabilities.”
Board of Directors: Voluntary, legal governing body of a nonprofit.
The Mission of Anchorage Housing Initiatives, Inc.: to provide access to decent, affordable, community-integrated housing in Southcentral Alaska for low to moderate-income persons who experience disabilities.
As time went on, AHI's mission gained strength and momentum. They recognized that people who experience disabilities faced unique challenges in securing suitable housing and needed community support. AHI responded with determination and open arms, offering not just shelter but a place where they could be part of the community, not apart from it.
AHI's journey also involved collaboration. The agencies that initially joined in the development of AHI have grown into affiliates, united by the shared commitment to oversee and implement housing initiatives. AHI's mission became a shared vision, and together, they have made incredible strides in housing advocacy.
Throughout the years, AHI honed its focus on those who are often the most vulnerable in society - homeless disabled individuals, and families. In partnership with the Continuum of Care (CoC), AHI initiated core programs, The Coming Home Project 1 and The Coming Home Project 2. These HUD-funded programs have been a lifeline, serving chronically homeless disabled individuals and families, providing not just shelter but a path to stability and dignity.
For AHI, their mission is not just a statement; it's a beacon of hope that lights the way through the darkest of times. It represents a commitment to creating a more inclusive, compassionate, and supportive community for all. Anchorage Housing Initiatives, Inc. stands as a testament to the power of a clear mission, a dedicated team, and a shared vision of a brighter, more inclusive future for Southcentral Alaska.
The board culture at AHI is characterized by a strong commitment to community service and making a tangible impact on homeless services. It consists of 9 to 12 voluntary board members representing diverse sectors of the community, including financial institutions, university faculty, the real estate industry, and the non-profit sector. Anchorage Housing Initiatives (AHI), a non-profit organization operating in the Municipality of Anchorage, emphasizes low-income housing and homeless services. Since its establishment in 1994, AHI has been dedicated to addressing the housing needs of low and moderate-income individuals and families, especially those with disabilities. AHI collaborates with affiliated agencies to oversee housing initiatives. AHI primarily serves homeless disabled individuals and families through Continuum of Care (CoC) HUD-funded programs, including The Coming Home Project 1 and The Coming Home Project 2, demonstrating a strong focus on addressing homelessness and creating housing solutions in the community.
AHI recognizes the critical role that board diversity plays in their quest to fulfill their mission. The decision was made to find potential board members who not only shared their commitment to AHI's mission but also brought a diverse range of experiences and understandings to the table. It was through this commitment to diversity that they aimed to provide the leadership the organization needed to move forward.
The vision was clear: the combined Board of AHI would ideally comprise individuals with expertise in various fields, ensuring a holistic approach to housing issues. These areas of expertise include:
Financial Management: Having someone with a strong financial background would help AHI make strategic financial decisions and ensure the organization's long-term sustainability.
Legal Expertise: Legal matters often interweave with housing policies and regulations. An attorney on the board would be invaluable in navigating these complexities.
Landlord/Property Development and Management: AHI needed insight into the intricacies of property development and management to enhance their housing projects.
Advocacy: Housing is not just about providing shelter; it's about advocating for those who need it most. An advocate on the board would ensure that the organization's voice was heard in the corridors of power.
Faith-Based Group Members: Faith-based organizations often play a pivotal role in community development and support. Their perspectives would be crucial to AHI's mission.
IT Experience: In an increasingly digital world, technology plays a significant role in all aspects of life. IT experts on the board would help AHI embrace the digital age in its service delivery.
Healthcare: Housing and healthcare are deeply interconnected. A healthcare expert would help AHI address the physical and mental health needs of their residents.
Formerly Homeless Individuals: Who better to understand the struggles and needs of those AHI serves than individuals who have walked that path? Their firsthand experience would be invaluable.
Individuals with Disabilities: A commitment to inclusivity extended to the board itself. Including individuals with disabilities would ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by AHI's diverse clientele.
AHI believes that board diversity would not only lead to more well-rounded decision-making but also demonstrate their genuine commitment to the principles of equity and inclusion. This approach would serve as a model for the communities they served, showing that diverse voices are not just heard but valued.
As AHI embarked on its journey to identify and recruit diverse board members, they were filled with hope and anticipation. With a board that represented the varied facets of society, they knew that the path ahead would be challenging, but it was one that they would walk together, embracing diversity as their guiding light and a symbol of their commitment to their mission. The future of AHI, with its diverse and inclusive board, held the promise of a brighter and more equitable future for all.
315 Barrow St.
Anchorage AK 99501
Website: https://anchoragehousinginitiatives.org/about-us/Website
EIN:
920151960
Year of Incorporation:
1994
Location: Anchorage
Focus: Human Services
Operating Budget: $100k-$500k
Number of Staff: 1
Number of Board Members: 6
Guidestar page:
https://www.guidestar.org/PUT/UpdateNonprofitProfile/8370059
Primary Contact for Board Recruitment:
Heather Wilkinson
Executive Director:
Heather Wilkinson
