Best Government Grants for felons in Alaska

Are there Government grants for felons in Alaska? Yes. There is government assistance for felons in Alaska for housing, education, reentry, jobs, and healthcare. Some of the key programs include Alaska Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) through AHFC, Reentry Housing Pilot Programs with the Alaska DOC, education aid like the Alaska Education Grant (AEG) and Federal Pell Grant, workforce support under WIOA, and behavioral health services funded by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (AMHTA). These grants for felons in Alaska all together are a great choice for the felons in Alaska to reintegrate into society.

Housing Assistance Grants for Felons in Alaska

Programs like The Alaska Housing Trust Fund (AHTF), Reentry Housing Pilot Programs, Oxford House Alaska and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance offer Housing Assistance Grants for Felons in Alaska.

The Alaska Housing Trust Fund (AHTF)

The Alaska Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) is a state-administered housing resource for Felons in Alaska offering help with affordable housing opportunities. The fund is administered by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), however AHTF is not a direct rental assistance program. AHFC uses funds like the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) and other subsidy programs to support housing for populations who are facing barriers to housing stability.

AHTF Eligibility for Housing Assistance

The eligibility depends on the type of housing program, however some of the basic eligibility require applicants to be low-income, need to go through criminal history screening and some are program-specific.  Each program under the AHTF has specific eligibility criteria and may handle criminal history differently, therefore it is recommended to know the name of the program and then check your eligibility.

How to Apply for AHTF-Supported Programs For Felons?

To apply for AHTF-Supported Programs, you need to contact your local AHFC Housing Office to learn about available programs, waiting lists, and eligibility requirements. Complete the application procedure, with the required documents that are asked. You can submit your application by mail or in person at an AHFC office near you. For general queries you can call them at (907) 330-6100

Reentry Housing Pilot Programs in Alaska

The Reentry Housing Pilot Programs in Alaska is operated by the Alaska Department of Corrections (DOC in collaboration with reentry organizations, and housing agencies like the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC). The Reentry Housing Pilot Programs are designed to help out the individuals who are returning from felony conviction with secure, stable and supportive housing.

Eligibility for Reentry Housing Programs in Alaska

To be eligible for Reentry Housing Programs in Alaska, you must be a returning citizen and working with DOC or a reentry case manager to assess housing and community support needs. To be eligible for specific programs under the Reentry Housing Program, you need to meet income limits.

How To Access Reentry Housing Programs in Alaska?

To access reentry housing pilot programs in Alaska, you need to speak with your reentry case manager, Institutional Probation Officer (IPO), or Field Probation Officer (PO) while you are incarcerated. They will guide you the procedure and refer you to housing support services. For any other general queries call at 907-269-7405

Oxford House Alaska

The Oxford Houses offer self-run, alcohol- and drug-free transitional housing for adults in recovery from substance use disorders. Oxford Houses promote a communal living environment where residents are required to share household responsibilities and help each other to stay clean and sober. Individuals with criminal records face barriers to housing and employment, Oxford House welcomes them regardless of their background as long as they agree with specific house rules.

Eligibility for Oxford House Alaska

To be eligible to live in Oxford House in Alaska, adults who are recovering from alcohol or drug addiction, willing to live a drug-free, alcohol-free home, with past criminal records and willing to participate in self-governance and share household duties. However, applicants are accepted based on interview and member voting.

How To Apply To Live at Oxford House Alaska?

To apply to live at Oxford House Alaska, you need to visit oxfordvacancies.com and look for vacancies. Complete your Oxford House membership application via the vacancy site or visit directly to the house. The house members will interview you and then a member vote will decide your acceptance. For general queries simply call at 907-375-0906

Tenant-Based Rental Assistance in Alaska

TBRA is one of the main rental assistance and housing grants for felons in Alaska administered through Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) and local housing partners using state and federal housing funds offering the eligible individuals with felony convictions with housing assistance programs where they pay a portion of monthly rent and utilities. The eligible individuals are free to choose their own rental housing from the private market.

Eligibility For Tenant-Based Rental Assistance in Alaska

To be eligible for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance in Alaska, individuals must be at or below 50% of the area median income, must be a resident of Alaska, have ability to maintain tenancy and must participate in case management. Remember, having a felony record alone will not hamper your eligibility. However, landlords do conduct background checks and there might be some restrictions depending on the provider.

How to Apply for TBRA in Alaska as a Felon?

To apply for TBRA in Alaska as a Felon, you need to contact a local reentry or housing service provider and ask them to request referral for TBRA or rental assistance. You need to complete eligibility screening and work with a case manager to secure the best housing option for you. For general queries you can call at (907) 338-6100.

Education Grants for Felons in Alaska

Programs like the Alaska Education Grant for felons and Pell Grant eligibility for felons in Alaska make higher education accessible after incarceration.

Alaska Education Grant (AEG) 

The Alaska Education Grant (AEG) is a state-funded, need-based financial aid program designed for the residents of Alaska so that they can attend eligible colleges and vocational training within the state. The program is administered by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE), encouraging individuals to pursue undergraduate degrees or certificates. AEG offers between $500 and $4,000 per academic depending on the financial need of the eligible applicant.

Eligibility For Alaska Education Grant (AEG)

To be eligible for Alaska Education Grant (AEG), an individual must be an Alaska resident for at least 12 months prior to filing the FAFSA, must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a high school diploma or GED, enrolled at least half-time in an eligible Alaska postsecondary institution and need to demonstrate financial need. They do not have any restrictions on application with felony conviction.

How To Apply For Alaska Education Grant (AEG)?

To apply for Alaska Education Grant (AEG), you need to file the FAFSA online and create an Alaska Student Aid Portal (ASAP) account. Make sure the school confirms your enrollment by the deadline and keep monitoring your AEG status using the ASAP portal. For general inquiries you can call them at 1-800-441-2962 or email them at [email protected]

Mental Health, Disability & Behavioral Health Grants for Felons in Alaska

There are mental health grants for felons in Alaska like the AMHTA and the Discharge Incentive Grant (DIG).

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (AMHTA) is a state corporation that was created to improve lives of residents in Alaska specially for groups that are suffering from mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, chronic alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, related dementia, or traumatic brain injuries. These initiatives function as mental health and behavioral health grants for felons in Alaska. The trust might not offer you direct services but they fund various programs and organizations to deliver services all over Alaska.

Eligibility for The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority For Felons

To be eligible for The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, the felon must be suffering from any of the conditions such as mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, chronic alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, related dementia, or traumatic brain injuries.

How To Access Support From The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority?

AMHTA does not directly take individual applications, but you can visit the AMHTA website and look for many nonprofits, clinics, tribal health organizations, and community agencies that receive grants from them. To get help with support call at 907-269-7960 or fill up the contact us form.

Discharge Incentive Grant (DIG)

The Discharge Incentive Grant (DIG) in Alaska is a housing and reentry support funding program to help out the returning citizens in Alaska who are facing serious mental illness, cognitive impairments, or co-occurring behavioral health needs. The program offers immediate and stable housing after release from the Alaska Department of Corrections (DOC). This program is a collaboration between the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (AMHTA), the DOC, and the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC).

Eligibility for the Discharge Incentive Grant

The Discharge Incentive Grant is only available through service providers and community organizations that work in collaboration with the DOC. DOC highly prioritises individuals with serious and persistent mental illness, cognitive, or co-occurring disorders who are at risk of homelessness.

Note: You cannot apply for the DIG program directly as funds are only offered to the eligible organizations and providers.

How to Apply For Discharge Incentive Grant (DIG)?

Discharge Incentive Grant (DIG) is a provider-funding program, therefore individuals need to connect with their case manager or counselor before release and ask them about the Discharge Incentive Grant (DIG). If you are post-release, you can try to contact DOC Behavioral Health and Reentry Services or a community reentry nonprofit and ask them to refer you to programs that are funded by the DIG. For any other inquiries or to know about the grant visit  official website of Alaska Housing Finance Corporation  or call them at 800-478-2432

Reentry Programs & Post-Release Support Services for Felons in Alaska

Partners Reentry Center and Returning Home Program offers supportive services to felons in Alaska with reentry.

Partners Reentry Center

Partners Reentry Center is a walk-in reentry support hub located in Anchorage, Alaska where individuals with felony convictions are returning to their communities and want to bring stability in their life after release. The Partners Reentry Center gives same-day assistance to the formerly incarcerated individual and also helps them to connect with housing, employment, case management, peer support, and community resources.

Eligibility For Partners Reentry Center

To be eligible for Partners Reentry Center primarily services, individuals who are recently released from incarceration (within 6 months), committed to participate in reentry support and are willingly want to engage in employment planning, housing programs or other supportive programs to reintegrate.

How To Apply For Support From Partners Reentry Center?

To apply for support from Partners Reentry Center in Alaska, you can simply visit the center in person at 208 E 4th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501. Remember, to carry basic documentation like your ID proof and release papers. For other queries you can call them at 907) 272-1192.

Visiting Hours Of Partners Reentry Center

Monday–Wednesday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Thursday: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Friday: 8:30 am – 2:00 pm

Returning Home Program

The Returning Home Program in Alaska offers help to individuals who are getting released from prison or jail with housing support, employment readiness, life-skills training, and community connections. Returning Home Program works in collaboration with the Alaska Department of Corrections (DOC), community reentry partners, nonprofit organizations, and local service providers to assist the eligible felons after release.

Eligibility for the Returning Home Program in Alaska

To be eligible for the Returning Home Program in Alaska, an individual is currently incarcerated in Alaska or recently released, must be within a short time frame of release (6 to 18 months) and motivated enough to participate in reentry planning. Remember, the final eligibility is determined by the DOC staff or partnered organizations.

Note: Individuals with a lifetime sex offender registration or a history of manufacturing meth in public housing are generally ineligible

How to Apply for the Returning Home Program in Alaska?

To apply for the Returning Home Program in Alaska, an individual needs to request a referral from the Alaska Department of Corrections (DOC). Individuals need to contact their DOC case manager, reentry coordinator, or counselor before release and the overall procedure will be guided by them. For any other queries or guidance you can call at (907) 269-7400 or visit your local DOC office.

Employment Programs & Grants for Felons in Alaska

You can use the Alaska Job Center Network to get access to Employment Programs & Grants for Felons in Alaska. One of the main programs is the  Fidelity Bonding Program.

The Alaska Job Center Network

The Alaska Job Center Network (AJCN) is a statewide system run by Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.  that can be used by individuals for employment. AJCN connects individuals to jobs programs and WIOA programs for felons in Alaska. Alongside they also help with career counseling, training programs and workplace skills development. For general queries call them at 907-465-4562

Fidelity Bonding Program (Alaska Dept. of Labor)

The Fidelity Bonding Program in Alaska is a no-cost, no-deductible bonding incentive administered by the Alaska Department of Labor to help out the job-seekers with felony convictions to overcome barriers to employment and also offers confidence to the employers to hire them. The bonds protect the employers against any type of financial loss that is caused due to theft or dishonesty for the first months of employment.

Eligibility for Fidelity Bonding Program in Alaska

To be eligible for the Fidelity Bonding Program in Alaska you need to an-risk a job application having criminal records, or recovering from substance abuse, have limited or no work history, or have a poor credit record or facing other barriers where employers are hesitant to hire you. Remember, self-employed individuals are not eligible for the Fidelity Bonding Program.

How to Apply for a Fidelity Bonding Program in Alaska?

To apply for the Fidelity Bonding Program in Alaska, contact the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Employment and Training Services (DETS) as this program is administered by them. Remember, to apply for fidelity bonding support when you have a job offer. For any other queries you can call at (877) 724-2539 or email at [email protected]

Cash Assistance & Basic Needs Programs for Felons in Alaska

There are cash assistance and basic need programs for justice-involved individuals in Alaska like the General Assistance, and ATAP.

General Assistance Programs in Alaska

The General Assistance or General Relief Assistance (GRA) in Alaska is a state-funded emergency support offering basic requirements like shelter, utilities, food and clothing. General Assistance programs in certain regions in Alaska provide cash assistance for felons in Alaska facing emergency needs.

Eligibility For General Assistance Programs in Alaska

To be eligible for General Assistance Programs in Alaska, individuals have to meet income requirements, residential requirements, must be a citizen of Alaska or have legal status and do not have access to basic requirements. Remember, having criminal history alone will not guarantee eligibility.

How To Apply For General Assistance Programs in Alaska?

To apply for General Assistance or General Relief Assistance in Alaska, you need to contact the  Alaska Department of Health & Social Services, Division of Public Assistance and find the appropriate office. To know about the local municipal programs, you can contact your human services office. Remember to gather documents like proof of identity, residency, and income.

Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP)

ATAP is Alaska’s version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program where they offer monthly cash assistance, job search support, child care assistance and other work support services to low-income families with dependent children including felons to help them out with basic needs. The cash assistance that is offered by ATAP is limited to 60 months (5 years) in a lifetime unless exempted.

Eligibility for Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP)

To be eligible for Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP), individuals must be a resident of Alaska, families with dependent children, Income must be below the ATAP income limits for your family size and adults must actively seek for employment. Remember, ATAP does not automatically disqualify a person from receiving cash assistance for a felony conviction.

How to Apply for ATAP?

There are multiple ways to apply for ATAP, for online you can visit Alaska Connect Portal or you can visit a local DPA office and submit your public assistance application form. You can also call the Alaska DPA Virtual Contact Center at 1-800-478-7778 to start an application.

Available National Government Grants For Felons in Alaska

The felons in Alaska can also get access to national programs like the Federal Pell Grant, SNAP, The Second Chance Act, WIOA, Medicaid, Section 8 & Public Housing etc.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based federal student aid award funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the felons in Alaska can qualify for the Federal Pell Grant to pursue certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. The Second Chance Pell Grant is available for those people who are still in prison to get access to the Pell Grant. To apply for the Federal Pell Grant in Alaska visit FAFSA website or call them at 1-800-433-3243

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as known as Food Stamps offer help to the low income households in Alaska to purchase nutritious food. To apply online for SNAP you can use the SNAP online application portal or call them at 1-800-478-7778 for application through phone. SNAP will offer you with an EBT card that can be used for purchasing groceries like fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy etc.

The Second Chance Act (SCA)

The Second Chance Act (SCA) is a federal initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Justice to help out the formerly imprisoned individuals helping them to reintegrate into society successfully. Felons in Alaska can get help with programs including employment assistance, education, housing support, substance abuse treatment, mental health care, and family reunification services Visit the  official website of the Department of Justice and know about the ongoing programs in Alaska.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federal workforce development law that offers job seekers with training, employment, education and other supportive services for justice-involved individuals helping them to successfully re-enter the workforce. To apply for WIOA Services in Alaska, you can connect with The Alaska Job Center Network or call them at (907) 269-4800

Medicaid Coverage After Release

The Medicaid Reentry Coverage for felons gives access to health to the people with felony convictions after release. The coverage Medicaid provides after release are Primary & preventive care, Behavioral and mental health services, and Substance use disorder treatment. To know more visit https://www.medicaid.gov/ or call at 1-800-478-7778

Section 8 & Public Housing

Section 8 (Housing Choice Vouchers) and Public Housing is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help felons with safe and affordable housing in Alaska. For inquiries related to Section 8 housing vouchers or Public Housing you need to connect with Alaska Housing Finance Corporation by calling at 907-338-6100

HUD-VASH

The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program is a federal housing assistance initiative for veterans with felony convictions offering them permanent rental assistance vouchers along with case management and clinical services. To apply for HUD-VASH in Alaska, you need to find the nearest Alaska VA Healthcare System or call them at 888-353-7574

HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) Program

The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program is a federal homeless assistance program mainly designed to help out the homelessness including felons who are experiencing unstable housing. It is managed by the Municipality of Anchorage and they coordinate local HUD CoC activities and planning. You can check the Continuum of Care (CoC)  or call them at 907-312-9530

SSI/SSDI Reentry support

The SSI/SSDI reentry support is available for the formerly incarcerated individuals to get help to stabilize income and benefits after release. The Social Security Administration offers prerelease benefit applications and eligibility assistance for disability/SSI benefits. To get help you can contact SSA at 1-800-772-121 or visit a local Alaska SSA office near you.

Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) in Alaska is part of a nationwide federal-state Vocational Rehabilitation program funded under U.S. law offering help to the Alaskans with disabilities who are facing barriers to work. The program helps to prepare, find and keep meaningful employment through assessments, counseling, job training, support services, and job placement planning. To apply call at (907) 465-281 or email at [email protected]

Bottom Line

Grants for Felons in Alaska for housing, education, employment, reentry support, healthcare can be a great boon. Some of the major housing assistance for felons in Alaska is the AHTF, TBRA and the Oxford house.One of the effective programs among the Alaska reentry programs is the Returning Home Program. To get immediate assistance with housing, food, utilities, mental health services, or emergency support, dial 211 or visit your local Alaska 2-1-1 service to get connected instantly. These programs will bring stability to the felons and can help them to lead a normal life.

FAQs About Grants for Felons in Alaska

Disclaimer: Program availability, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts might change. This article is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee approval for any grant or assistance program. Always verify details using the official website or from the program administrator.