If you’re a single mom in Alaska struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with:
- Emergency cash
- Housing
- Transportation
- Electric bills
- Medical and dental care
- Food
- Child care
- Education
- Employment
- Charity organizations
We also put together resources specifically for:
Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.
Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached.
Qualifications are simple:
1. You’re a single mom.
2. You need the money right now.
Fill out this form to apply:
(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)
Many of the programs on this list determine eligibility as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL) for Alaska. These are the 2024 Alaska poverty guidelines:
| Number of people in family/household | Annual income |
| 1 | $18,810 |
| 2 | $25,540 |
| 3 | $32,270 |
| 4 | $39,000 |
| 5 | $45,730 |
| 6 | $52,460 |
| 7 | $59,190 |
| 8 | $65,920 |
You can also look up your area median income (AMI) here.
* For families/households with more than 8 people, add $6,730 for each additional person.
Emergency cash for low-income families in Alaska
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
Alaska Temporary Assistance Program
The Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) is provided under the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant. This program provides cash assistance and work services to low-income families with children for a lifetime limit of 60 months.
Payouts vary by family makeup, size, and monthly income, with the maximum payout for a one-parent household of three set at $923/month.
Qualifications:
- Live in Alaska
- U.S. citizen, legal alien, or qualified alien
- Unemployed or underemployed, with low income — $3,657/month for a three-person family unit
- Less than $2,000 in countable resources, OR less than $3,000 if the family includes an individual who is 60 or older
- Must also meet at least one of the following:
- Have a child 18 years old or younger
- Be pregnant
- Be 18 years old or younger and the head of your household
How to get help:
- For additional information on this program, visit the Alaska Temporary Assistance page
- Call the Public Assistance main office at 907-465-3347
Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)
The Alaska PFD is available to eligible state residents. It pays a portion of the state’s revenue from investment earnings from mineral royalties. You must apply to be considered for an annual payment. The 2024 application is available until March 31, 2024.
Qualifications:
- You were an Alaska resident for a full calendar year in 2023 (Jan.-Dec.)
- You plan to remain in Alaska long term
- You claim no residency in any other state or country since December 31, 2022
- You were not convicted of a felony, or in jail as a result of a felony conviction in 2023
- You were not in jail in 2023 as the result of a misdemeanor conviction or prior felony since or two or more misdemeanors since January 1, 1997
- If you were not in Alaska for more than 180 days, the absence was allowed
- You were in Alaska for at least 72 consecutive hours during 2022 or 2023
How to get help:
- Apply for PFD
- Call 907-465-2326
General Relief Assistance (GRA) in Alaska
GRA is a state-funded program that meets basic needs like shelter, food, clothing, and utilities in emergency situations. It is offered as a last option when all other sources of help have been exhausted. It pays up to $120 per household member. Funds go directly to the vendor, landlord, or utility provider.
Qualifications:
- Alaska resident
- US citizen or legal alien
- Proven emergency (such as a shut off or eviction notice)
- 18 and over
- No more than $500 in liquid assets (such as cash or money in a savings account)
- Meet income limits
How to get help:
- Call 800-478-7778
More emergency cash help in Alaska:
Single moms in Alaska can visit 211.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.
Check out these posts for more ways to get emergency cash:
These are some more tips for getting cash quickly:
- Sell old clothes, toys, and baby supplies you no longer need — check out this post on things to sell around your house
- Get your tax refund early
- Ask for a raise at work
- Use cash-back apps
Housing help for single moms in Alaska
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing and vouchers to help low-income households pay their rent.
Alaska’s local HUD office offers rental assistance for up to 24 months. Tenants are initially responsible for paying approximately 30% of their adjusted gross income to the landlord for rent.
Qualifications:
Vouchers and housing are based on household income and family size. You can find your county’s income limits on the HUD website.
How to get help:
- Contact your local public housing agency and ask how to apply for assistance
- Call 800-955-2232
- Contact the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation for more information by calling 907-338-6100 (Anchorage) or 800-478-2432 (outside Anchorage)
Mortgage assistance in Alaska
If you need help buying a home in Alaska, these programs can help:
NeighborWorks Alaska
NeighborWorks Alaska provides several programs for homeowners, including down payment assistance and home modification grants.
How to get help:
Call (907) 677-8490 or sign up online to apply and learn more information.
Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>
Homeless assistance in Alaska
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, check out this program:
Adelaide Apartments
Adelaide Apartments, located in downtown Anchorage, are for people who have been homeless. One of several rentals available through NeighborhoodWorks, the apartments are drug and alcohol free with shared kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry facilities. Rent payments are based on your income.
Qualifications:
- Income cannot be more than 30% of AMI
- Must be homeless
How to get help:
- Call 907-258-9017
- Visit NeighborhoodWorks Alaska
Alaska Housing
Alaska Housing offers several rental programs for Alaska residents. Three of these programs are intended for low-income Alaskans:
- #1: Low-Income Alaskans Renting From Private Individuals helps people lease privately owned rental units in 12 communities around the state.
- #2: Low-Income Alaskans Seeking Public Housing provides safe, affordable public housing in 13 communities around the state.
- #3: Low-Income Alaskans on Parole or Probation & Youth Aging Out of Foster Care is a rental assistance program for families in transition. Families must be referred from either the State of Alaska Department of Corrections or the State of Alaska Department of Health and Human Services Office of Children’s Services.
Qualifications:
- To qualify for program #1, the family’s income must be at or below 50% of the AMI.
- For program #2, income must be at or below 80% of the AMI.
- For #3, income must be at or below 60% of the AMI. Additional requirements and qualifications vary based on each program.
How to get help:
- Dial 211
- Email Alaska211@ak.org
- Visit www.alaska211.org
More housing help:
Transportation help for low-income families in Alaska
Alaska offers transportation assistance for single moms and low-income families. The following resources can help you save money:
Alaska public transit
Alaska has 14 public transit options in the state. Some free and/or low-cost options are listed below:
Bethel Public Transit System
- Covers: Bethel
- Provides: Free rides for children under 3 and seniors 65 and older, day passes with unlimited rides are $5 for riders ages 3-64
Capital Transit
- Covers: Juneau, Mendenhall Valley, and Douglas
- Provides: Free rides for children 5 and under and seniors with a local senior sales tax exemption card, reduced fares for children 6-18
Glacier Valley Transit
- Covers: Girdwood Valley
- Provides: Free fares for all riders
MACS Transit
- Covers: Fairbanks
- Provides: Free fares for children up to age 5 and seniors 60 and over, half-price fares for youth 6-18, Medicare or Medicaid card holders, disabled persons, and active duty military and their dependents
Sunshine Transit
- Covers: Caswell, Houston, Talkeetna, Trapper Creek, and Willow
- Provides: Free fares for all on fixed routes
The Bus
- Covers: Ketchikan
- Provides: Free rides for children under 12 with a fare-paying adult and reduced fares for children 12-17, seniors 60 and over, and students with a school ID
The Ride
- Covers: Sitka
- Provides: Free rides for children under six with an adult and half-price fares for seniors 6 and over
Valley Transit
- Covers: Anchorage and the Valley
- Provides: Free fares on Fridays of fixed routes for youth 17 and under and seniors 60 and over
Non-emergency travel in Alaska for Medicaid recipients
If you receive Medicaid benefits, you and your children may be eligible for free or reimbursed travel to and from medical appointments.
Qualifications:
- Medicaid recipient or participant in the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) program
How to get help:
- Call 800-780-9972 (Medicaid)
- Call 888-276-0606 (EPSDT)
Free cars in Alaska
This charity provides free cars to people in Alaska who meet the eligibility guidelines:
Free Charity Cars
Free Charity Cars awards free vehicles to selected applicants in all 50 states. The nonprofit charity group has been awarding free vehicles to low-income American families since 1996 and has gifted more than 9,000 cars. The charity group notes that they do not have an inventory of vehicles readily available as they award cars as soon as they get them, so there can be extensive waiting periods for those selected for the free car program.
Qualifications:
- Be a resident of the U.S.
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Have a genuine need for a vehicle
- Have access to a Computer and Internet Service
- Sign up for an online account
- Complete an online application for a vehicle
- Have the financial means to pay for the fees, including the tag, title, emissions, insurance, etc.,
- Take financial responsibility for maintaining insurance and upkeep on the vehicle if awarded
How to get help:
- Fill out the online contact form
- Apply online
If you’re ready to buy a car, but you have low or no credit, Auto Credit Express is a quality lender:
- Better Business Bureau rating of A+
- In business since 1999
- For new or used cars
- Auto loans and refi for buyers who have low or no credit, or who have gone through bankruptcy or had a vehicle repossessed
- Pre-approval within 30 seconds
24 hours to a car loan with Auto Credit Express >>
Electric bill assistance in Alaska
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Alaska, check out the following programs:
Heating Assistance Program (HAP)
HAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills. HAP may also be able to help with weatherization-related home repairs.
Qualifications:
Must meet income limits — $3,599/month for a family of three.
How to get help:
Download an application on the Heating Assistance website.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Alaska Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) pays for home insulation that will help lower utility costs.
Qualifications:
You must be a resident of Alaska, with an income below $28,790 for a family of three. See full list of income limits.
Preference may be given to:
- People over 60 years of age
- Families with one or more members with a disability
- Families with children (in most states)
Under DOE guidelines, you are automatically eligible to receive weatherization assistance if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
How to get help:
For more information on Alaska’s Weatherization program, visit the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation website. You can also call 800-478-2432 (statewide except Anchorage). In Anchorage, call 907-338-6100.
More electric bill help:
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Alaska
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:
Affordable Dental Care
Affordable Dental Care locations in Anchorage, Wasilla, and Fairbanks offer monthly specials for non-insured patients. All offices offer full-service dental care, including procedures such as root canals, implants, and porcelain crowns.
How to get help:
Contact Affordable Dental Care to learn more about their three locations.
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Alaska
HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people (eligibility criteria vary) and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.
HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you are struggling.
Qualifications:
Each health center sets its own eligibility criteria for free or reduced cost care.
How to get help:
Find an HRSA health center in Alaska by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
Alaska Medicaid
Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income families in Alaska that covers:
- Medical
- Dental
- Hospital
- Transportation services
Qualifications:
- Resident of the state of Alaska
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
- In need of health care and insurance assistance
- Within income limits
- Must also be at least one of the following:
- Pregnant
- Responsible for a child 18 years old or younger
- Blind
- Have a disability (or a family member in your household with a disability)
- 65 years old or older
How to get help:
- Download a copy of the application and mail it to your nearest Public Assistance office
- Call 888-318-8890 or 907-269-6529
Denali KidCare
Denali KidCare is Medicaid coverage for children ages birth through age 18 and for pregnant women. Denali KidCare is generally issued for 12 months at a time. After the year is up, you’ll have to renew.
Denali KidCare pays for all medical bills and medications. The program also covers:
- Dental work
- Hearing aids
- Physical rehabilitation equipment
- Medically necessary airfare, hotel stays, meals, and taxis
Qualifications:
- Resident of the state of Alaska
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
- In need of health care and insurance assistance
- Within income limits — $5,257/month for a family of three
How to get help:
- Apply on www.healthcare.gov
- Submitting an application for services via mail, fax, email, or in-person/lobby drop box
- Call 800-478-7778 to apply for benefits over the phone
More medical/dental help:
Food help for low-income families in Alaska
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
Alaska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Alaska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides food benefits to low-income households. You will receive these benefits via an Alaska Quest card that you can use at authorized stores (similar to a debit card).
The amount you receive each month depends on your household size and income. Alaska has special rules that allow for higher SNAP benefits in rural areas, and the use of benefits to purchase certain hunting and fishing subsistence supplies.
Qualifications:
- Must live in Alaska
- Must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. National, or a qualified alien
- Most able-bodied people between 16 and 59 years old must be actively working a job
- Asset limit is $2,750 for most households, and $4,250 for households with a member who is disabled or over 60 years old
How to get help:
Apply for benefits on the Alaska SNAP website or call 907-222-3119
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition program that provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies.
Qualifications:
- Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
- Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
- Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
- Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
- If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC
How to get help:
- Call the WIC clinic closest to you. You can find clinics near your location by entering your zip code on WIC Signup page.
- Download and complete the paper forms and bring to the WIC clinic closest to you
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program
NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school. An extension of the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students.
Qualifications:
Household income must fall at or below the limits of the federal income eligibility guidelines.
How to get help:
Schools send home meal applications at the beginning of each school year. However, you can apply for school meals anytime by submitting a household application directly to your school.
Alaska’s Summer Food Service Program
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free, nutritious meals to children age 18 or younger living in low-income areas. Summer meal sites are located at places like schools, public housing centers, playgrounds, camps, parks, churches, and rec centers.
Qualifications:
Participants must live in Alaska and be under 18 years old.
How to get help:
Find a location near you at the USDA Summer Food Service Program website or call 907-465-3316.
Alaska Food Banks
The Food Bank of Alaska provides meals for individuals and families who are struggling to put food on the table. This nonprofit has 150+ partner food pantries and soup kitchens all over the state.
Qualifications:
Each individual food bank sets its own eligibility and proof of need requirements.
How to get help:
To find a food bank near you and for additional information, visit the Food Bank of Alaska website.
More food help:
Child care help for low-income families in Alaska
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Alaska:
Alaska Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school.
Qualifications:
- Children from birth to age 5
- Meet federal poverty guidelines
- Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, etc.) are eligible regardless of income
- Some programs accept kids with incomes above the federal poverty guidelines
- Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start
How to apply:
- Contact your local Head Start or Early Head Start to apply
- Call 866-763-6481
Parents as Teachers
Parents as Teachers sends professionals to visit families in their homes to help children from birth to age 5 with:
- Learning support
- Language development
- Social-emotional skills
- Physical development
Professionals evaluate children, assess family needs, and provide resources to help them. Children are also screened for concerns, and families can participate in group activities if desired.
How to get help:
- Apply through Kids Corps Inc.
- (907) 272-0133
Parents Achieving Self Sufficiency (PASS)
PASS is the state’s child care assistance program. If your children are 12 and under, you may be eligible for assistance. PASS helps eligible parents pay for child care through three options:
- PASS I: Benefits families who receive Alaska Temporary Assistance (ATAP)
- PASS II: Provides for families transitioning out of ATAP
- PASS III: Offers benefits for families who do not qualify for PASS I or PASS II
Qualifications:
- For PASS I, you must be an ATAP recipient, working or in an assigned work activity
- For PASS II, you must be transitioning from ATAP
- For PASS II, you must be working or a student in a training program
- For all programs, you must meet income limits (discussed at the time of application)
How to get help:
- Call 800-478-7778
Alaska IN!
Alaska IN! Is a child care assistance program that supports low-income families of children with special needs. It offers a subsidy to help pay for specialized care for children up to 12 years old. The program also offers referrals to help parents find the right care for their children.
Qualifications:
- Participating in PASS, Alaska’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
- Have a child not older than 12
- Child has a diagnosed special need or developmental disability
- The special need or developmental disability requires additional services at a cost to the approved CCAP provider
How to get help:
- Call 907-269-4500
- Email ccpo@alaska.gov
More child care help
Education help for single moms in Alaska
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in Alaska
You can take the GED test in Alaska at 18 years of age. If you’re 16 or 17, you can take the test by showing either a withdrawal slip from the last school you attended in Alaska, a legal emancipation document, or written permission from a parent or guardian. There are no pre-testing or studying requirements.
The GED test has four main areas of testing:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Reasoning through Language Arts
- Science
- Social Studies
You have two options for taking the test in Alaska:
- Online at-home test – $36.00 per subject
- In person at a test center – $30 per subject
Free tutoring in Alaska
The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development partners with Schoolhouse.world to offer free peer-to-peer tutoring, homework help, and SAT prep.
Qualifications:
- Open to all Alaska residents with children 13 and older
How to get help:
- Visit Schoolhouse.world and create a free account
AlaskaCAN!
AlaskaCAN! is an online resource to help you look for education and training opportunities throughout the state.
Qualifications:
- This free service is open to all Alaskans
How to get help:
- Apply to AlaskaCAN!
- Call 907-269-7971
- Email 65by2025@gmail.com
Grants and scholarships in Alaska
The Federal Student Aid connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in Alaska. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, create a student profile on the Federal Student Aid website.
Individual schools also offer need-based and academic scholarships for their students. If you’ve been accepted to a higher education institution, contact their office of financial aid to learn how to apply.
More education help:
Employment help for single moms in Alaska
Workforce programs in Alaska provide training and assist with employment:
Alaska Connect
Alaska Connect is a year-round online training platform that provides job skills and technical training, including certifications, in a wide range of training areas. You can attend virtual trainings, conferences, and take advantage of other offerings.
How to get help:
- Learn more through Alaska CONNECT
- Email Amy Tannahill to enroll atannahill@akforum.org
Alaska Job Center Network
The Alaska Job Center Network offers employment and training services, career counseling, and job search assistance.
How to get help:
- Search for help on the Alaska Job Center Network website
- Email labor.webmaster@alaska.gov
More employment help:
Charity organizations in Alaska
There are a number of charitable organizations throughout Alaska that offer support to single moms:
Lutheran Social Services of Alaska (LSSA)
LSSA provides programs that help Alaskans access food, shelter, medication, and transportation to medical appointments. Based in Anchorage, the nonprofit works with United Way to reach more people in need.
Qualifications:
- Eligibility guidelines vary by program
- Food pantry is open to all, registration is required
How to get help:
- Call 907-272-0643
- Email lssa@gci.net
Helping Alaska
Helping Alaska offers several programs to help Alaska neighbors in need:
- Furniture bank: Buy gently used furniture at a discount or qualify for a voucher to furnish your home
- Community helpline: You can call the helpline when you have a hardship or need assistance with an issue and get guidance, resources and support
- Housing assistance: Helping Alaska offers many programs to meet the needs of families who need help with housing
Qualifications:
- Eligibility guidelines are different for each program contact Helping Alaska to learn the application process
How to get help:
- Call 907-452-3876
- Email mission@helpingak.org
The Salvation Army of Alaska
The Salvation Army helps with:
- Food, shelter, and clothing
- Medication costs
- Education and job training
- Christmas presents
- Rent and utility bills
- Substance abuse rehabilitation
- Youth services
- Emergency disaster response
Qualifications:
Each Salvation Army branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs.
How to get help:
Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter.
Catholic Social Services of Alaska
Catholic Charities helps with:
- Housing and rent relief
- Utility assistance
- Food assistance
- Health care assistance
How to get help:
- Learn more about specific addresses and food bank dates and times at this website
- Phone: 907-222-7300
United Way of Alaska
The United Way of Alaska connects people in need with local resources like:
- Food
- Shelter
- Child care services
- Housing
- Health care
- Support groups
How to get help:
- 211.org or https://www.liveunitedanc.org/connect/get-help/
- Dial 2-1-1
Help for single moms in Anchorage, Alaska
The following resources serve residents of Anchorage, Alaska:
Housing help in Anchorage
If you need housing help in Anchorage, here are some options:
RurAL Community Action Program (CAP)
RurAL CAP provides an array of services to address housing needs, from homelessness to homeownership.
Programs include:
- Affordable housing: Rental housing for low-income Anchorage residents
- Supportive housing: Transitional and permanent housing for formerly homeless families
- Homeless outreach: Helps homeless families connect to housing and services like healthcare and mental health support
- Bay Haven shelter: Shelter for people who have experienced domestic violence and sexual assault serving Hoper Bay, Chevak, and Scammon Bay
- Homeownership: Options for low-income families to own a home by participating in the construction to get an affordable loan or help with pursuing a USDA 502 loan in rural areas
- Home improvement: Programs to help you weatherize, upgrade, and repair your home
Qualifications:
- Each program has its own requirements
How to get help:
- Call 907-279-2511
- Email info@ruralcap.org
Adelaide Apartments
Adelaide Apartments, located in downtown Anchorage, are for people who have been homeless. One of several rentals available through NeighborhoodWorks, the apartments are drug and alcohol free with shared kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry facilities. Rent payments are based on your income.
Qualifications:
- Income cannot be more than 30% of AMI
- Must be homeless
How to get help:
- Call 907-258-9017
- Visit NeighborhoodWorks Alaska
Transportation assistance in Anchorage
Here are some options for free or discounted travel in Anchorage, Alaska:
People Mover
People Mover provides fixed route transit service throughout Anchorage and Eagle River. People Never gives free rides to:
- Children ages 5-18 during summer
- Students in the Youth Connect program
- U-Pass carriers (students, faculty and employees of area schools)
Youth 5-18, seniors 60 and over, Medicare card holders, and veterans are eligible for half price fares with proper ID.
If you are an elementary school teacher in the Anchorage School District, you may get the Class Pass for $60. This pass allows you, up to 30 students, and adult chaperones to ride on People Mover throughout the school year for field trips.
Qualifications:
- To get reduced fares you must be aged 5-18, 60 and over, be a veteran, or receive Medicare benefits
How to get help:
- Call 907-343-6543
Municipality of Anchorage Travel Vouchers
If you receive WIC, you may be eligible to receive travel vouchers to help you get to grocery stores and farmers markets. These vouchers are dependent on program funding, and are not always available. You’ll have to check periodically to see what’s available.
Qualifications:
- WIC recipient
How to get help:
- Call 907-343-4668
Electric bill assistance in Anchorage
If you are looking for help with utility bills in Charleston, check out this resource:
Coins Can Count
Coins Can Count helps you pay your past due water and or wastewater bill if you are experiencing a financial hardship.
Qualifications:
- Single-family residence
- Past due utility bill
- Living in the Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility service area
Other qualifications are determined by the Anchorage Health Department during the intake process.
How to get help:
- Call 907-343-7770
Medical and dental care help in Anchorage
Here are some options for single moms looking for medical and dental care in Anchorage:
University of Alaska Anchorage dental clinic
The University of Alaska provides discounted dental care to children and adults from September to April. The clinic is staffed by dental students and dental professionals. Students perform the dental services which are reviewed by professionals. Appointments are long (sometimes up to four hours).
Qualifications:
- The clinic is open to all Anchorage residents
How to get help:
- Call 907-786-6960
- Email uaa_dentalclinic@alaska.edu
Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center
Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center provides medical and preventative, routine, and emergency dental care to people of all ages. They use a sliding fee scale to keep costs affordable.
Qualifications:
- All Anchorage residents are welcome
- To be eligible for sliding fees, you must be willing to share proof of income for household size as part of the intake process
How to get help:
- Call 907-743-7200 (Medical)
- Call 907-743-7202 (Dental)
Anchorage Project Access
Anchorage Project Access helps low-income families get connected with affordable medical and dental care.
Qualifications:
- Income at or below 300% of the FPL based on household size
- Uninsured
How to get help:
- Call 907-743-6600
- Email info@anchorageprojectaccess.org
Food help in Anchorage
Here are food resources local to Anchorage, Alaska:
St. Francis House Food Pantry
The St. Francis House pantry in Anchorage is one of the largest sources of emergency food assistance in the state. The pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 4-5:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
Qualifications:
- Anyone who needs food is welcome to use the pantry
How to get help:
- Call 907-222-7323
- Visit the pantry at 3710 E. 20th Avenue in Anchorage
Friends in Serving Humanity (FISH)
If you have a food emergency, FISH may be able to help. The nonprofit’s volunteers will deliver food to your home. FISH responds to the first 20 food requests each day, so it’s important to contact them as soon as you have a need. When your request is accepted, food is delivered the next day.
Qualifications:
- Anyone experiencing a food crisis in Anchorage is welcome to call
How to get help:
- Call 907-277-0818 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday Thursday, or Friday
- Fll out the online request form
Child care assistance in Anchorage
If you need help with before or after school care, check out this local resource:
Camp Fire Alaska Scholarships
Camp Fire Alaska offers in-school programs like before and after school care and summer programs. If you need financial help for your children to participate, consider applying for a scholarship.
Qualifications:
- Children in K-6
- Must complete a Child Care Assistance application and a Camp Fire scholarship application
How to get help:
- Call 907-279-3551
- Email campfire@campfiresak.org
- Call 907-269-6520 for questions about applying for state Child Care Assistance
Employment help in Anchorage
Get free resources in Anchorage to help you find a job:
Anchorage Public Library
The Anchorage Public Library provides free in-person and online tools to help you find a job or advance in your career.
The library offers:
- Help with building and updating your resume and cover letter
- Courses on interview skills
- Interview prep
- Access to LinkedIn Learning courses
Qualifications:
- Must be a registered library patron
How to get help:
- Call 907-343-2975
Charity organizations in Anchorage
This charity helps single moms in Anchorage:
Soroptimist International of Anchorage
Soroptimist International of Anchorage works with community partners to provide help to families in need.
Programs include:
- Bundle of Joy Community Babyshower: This event happens every spring and helps moms experiencing housing instability to provide necessary items for their babies
- Rose Kapingen Scholarship: Provides funds to help Anchorage women pursue a degree program or trade school certification
- Stocking for Clare House: Provides a stocking filled with gifts around the winter holiday season that will be useful to Clare House residents
Qualifications:
The scholarship requires US citizenship and Anchorage residency, the baby shower event is open to all homeless or at-risk moms who need extra help, and the stocking program is for Clare House residents
How to get help:
- Email sianchorage@gmail.com
SOURCES
- “The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families
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