Free Furniture and Household Items for Single Mothers in Alaska
Free Furniture & Household Items for Single Mothers in Alaska: 2025 Statewide Playbook
Last updated: September 2025
This guide gives practical, verified ways to get free or very low‑cost furniture, beds, linens, cookware, and essential household items across Alaska. You’ll find what to do first, who to call, how to apply, and realistic timelines. Where possible, you’ll get direct numbers and office links to save time. When you see a program, organization, or help line mentioned, it’s linked right where it appears so you can tap and go.
If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take
- Call the statewide help line now and ask for “furniture assistance” and “move‑in kits” in your town: use Alaska 2‑1‑1 at 2‑1‑1 or 1‑800‑478‑2221, then ask to be connected to Catholic Social Services (CSS) in Anchorage and your closest St. Vincent de Paul or SVDP Juneau household supplies office. If you are in Anchorage, you can also start at Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH) Coordinated Entry at 907-312-9530. (alaska211.org)
- If you got a shutoff notice or you’re out of heat: apply to the Heating Assistance Program (HAP) today using Alaska Department of Health HAP and ask your utility for a deferred payment plan under state rules; start with Chugach Electric Member Services at 907-563-7366 or check state rules at Regulatory Commission of Alaska. Non‑crisis HAP decisions can take up to 45 days; ask about crisis processing if you have a disconnect notice. (health.alaska.gov)
- If you’re fleeing violence or unsafe housing: call AWAIC (Anchorage) at 907-272-0100 and AWARE (Juneau) at 907-586-6623 to request safe shelter and help with “move‑out” or “welcome home” household kits; ask your advocate to refer you to SVDP or CSS for furniture vouchers and household items. (awaic.org)
Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy
- Statewide navigation: Alaska 2‑1‑1 2‑1‑1 or 1‑800‑478‑2221; email Alaska211@ak.org; language interpretation available. Also use the HUD Alaska page to find counselors and housing resources. (alaska211.org)
- Public housing and vouchers: Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) — local offices & phones and AHFC Homeless Housing Office. For Anchorage, call 907-330-6100; toll‑free in Alaska 1-800-478-2432. (ahfc.us)
- Anchorage Coordinated Entry: Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness at 907-312-9530; drop‑in at 1101 E 3rd Ave for navigation and supplies. (aceh.org)
- Furniture pickup/donations source (ask for agency voucher): Habitat for Humanity Anchorage ReStore and pickup scheduler at ReStore Donation Pickup. (habitatanchorage.org)
- Medical/home‑care furniture & equipment (e.g., hospital beds, shower benches): Access Alaska DME Loan Closet statewide locations and SAIL Loan Closets (Southeast). (accessalaska.org)
How to Get Free Furniture and Household Items Fast in Alaska
Start with a single call: Use Alaska 2‑1‑1 and ask for “furniture assistance,” “household goods,” “move‑in kits,” and “vouchers.” Ask to be connected to Catholic Social Services Homeless Family Services for furniture requests, and to your local St. Vincent de Paul or SVDP Juneau which provide household supplies and thrift vouchers when they have stock. In Anchorage, also contact ACEH Coordinated Entry to get on the list for help and “new home kits.” (alaska211.org)
Ask for agency‑issued vouchers: Some thrift and reuse outlets accept vouchers issued by agencies. Check with Habitat Anchorage ReStore for low‑cost items (your case manager may have a partner voucher), and ask your navigator about local partnerships with Bishop’s Attic (Anchorage) or Bishop’s Attic II (Palmer). In Mat‑Su, ask about merchandise vouchers through Valley Charities’ turn‑A‑leaf. (habitatanchorage.org)
Tap local and online free networks: Join the Freecycle Anchorage group and your neighborhood’s Buy Nothing group (search via the Buy Nothing Project site) for free couches, cribs, and cookware; also check the “free” section on Craigslist for your city and the Nextdoor “For sale & free” feed. For safety, meet in public, bring a friend, and avoid porch pickups if you’re uncomfortable. (freecycle.org)
If you need medical‑type home furnishings: You can often borrow hospital beds, transfer benches, and similar items free through Access Alaska’s DME Loan Closet or SAIL loan closets in Southeast; in Anchorage, also check Hospice of Anchorage loan closet. Advocates at Alaska 2‑1‑1 can filter by location and availability when you call. (accessalaska.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask a case manager or navigator to submit a request through ACEH “new home kits” in Anchorage, request a “home setup” through CSS, and widen your search by having 2‑1‑1 list every local church pantry and thrift partner that accepts agency referrals. If you’re outside hub cities, ask 2‑1‑1 for the nearest agency that can ship “welcome home” kits or coordinate a local pickup. (aceh.org)
Stop a Utility Shutoff in Alaska Today
Call your utility and set up a payment plan first: Alaska rules require utilities to offer deferred payment arrangements before disconnection in many cases; they must give specific notice and cannot disconnect on Fridays or the day before a holiday. Ask to set up a written “deferred payment agreement,” and pay the undisputed part of your bill while any dispute is under review. You can cite state rules with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska and, if needed, file a complaint. Start with your utility’s member services, such as Chugach Electric in Anchorage or Golden Valley Electric Association in Fairbanks. (rca.alaska.gov)
Apply to HAP right away: Submit the Heating Assistance Program application through the Alaska Department of Health. For FY2025, HAP is open Oct 1–Apr 30 for regular heating help and accepts crisis cases year‑round; income limits are posted and updated annually. Crisis cases can prioritize shutoff prevention or deposits for subsidized units (SRHUD). Processing for non‑crisis can take up to 45 days; call to confirm current timeframes. (health.alaska.gov)
Ask for tribal or regional energy help: If you’re Alaska Native/American Indian, check tribal LIHEAP/energy programs like Tanana Chiefs Conference Energy Assistance and local programs such as Kenaitze Energy Assistance. Many tribes cover fuel, wood, or emergency hotel nights for safety; call to confirm currently open funds. (tananachiefs.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Apply for last‑resort General Relief Assistance (GRA) with the Alaska Department of Health if you have a shutoff or eviction notice and no other options; payments go to the vendor and are limited, so apply fast and include documentation. Also ask 2‑1‑1 to check any local “winter emergency” utility funds. (health.alaska.gov)
Programs That Give or Pay for Furniture and Household Goods
Catholic Social Services (Anchorage): Families working with Homeless Family Services can request furniture and basic household goods; CSS publishes a furniture wish list for donors (beds, mattresses, tables, chairs, living‑room items), which signals what they place with clients. Start at Get Help and ask to be screened for HFS or for shelter through Clare House (moms with children), then ask about “home setup” when you secure housing. See HFS furniture list, CSS Get Help, and Clare House info. (cssalaska.org)
St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) — Juneau & Anchorage: SVDP Juneau offers free clothing and household supplies at its Dan Austin Center and may issue thrift vouchers when needed; call to verify inventory. Anchorage SVDP can help with clothing/household items on a case‑by‑case basis through parish conferences; call the main line to request a home visit or assistance. See SVDP Juneau — Get Help and SVDP Anchorage contact. (svdpjuneau.org)
Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH) “New Home Kits”: ACEH collects brand‑new items (linens, cookware, cleaning supplies) for move‑ins. When you get a unit through Coordinated Entry, ask your navigator to request a kit. Learn more at ACEH Take Action — New Home Kits and ACEH Coordinated Entry details. (aceh.org)
Habitat for Humanity Anchorage ReStore: Not a free program, but low prices and occasional partner vouchers make it a practical option. They also offer free donation pickup, which helps agencies source items. Check today’s hours and call about any current referral discounts. See Habitat ReStore and ReStore FAQs. (habitatanchorage.org)
Domestic violence & family shelters: In Anchorage, AWAIC supports survivors with essential goods; in Juneau, AWARE posts a current “shelter wish list” (twin sheets, towels, pillows, silverware) and can connect outgoing families to household basics. Reach AWAIC donations page and AWARE wish list. In Fairbanks, contact Interior Alaska Center for Non‑Violent Living to ask about move‑out support. (awaic.org)
RurAL CAP supportive and affordable housing (Anchorage): If your move‑in comes through RurAL CAP properties or programs (Safe Harbor Muldoon for families, or supportive/affordable rentals), ask staff for basic household setup assistance or referrals. Start at RurAL CAP Supportive Housing and Affordable Housing. (ruralcap.org)
Valley Charities — turn‑A‑leaf (Mat‑Su): In Wasilla, turn‑A‑leaf provides merchandise vouchers and a limited medical equipment loan program; ask about household goods help when funds allow. See turn‑A‑leaf Thrift Store. (valleycharities.org)
Staying current on Fairbanks options: Note that the long‑running Furniture Bank in Fairbanks (Helping Alaska, formerly Love INC) closed permanently in July 2025; ask 2‑1‑1 for current alternatives, and check with Fairbanks Rescue Mission about clothing/household closets and referrals. (helpingalaska.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your navigator about agency‑to‑agency requests: CSS, ACEH, and partners can sometimes source a bed, crib, or cookware set from donors or thrift store partners. If you’re in Southeast, ask Catholic Community Service or SVDP Juneau to coordinate with local thrift stores for vouchers. For medical‑type furniture statewide, keep checking Access Alaska inventory. (ccsak.org)
Government Programs That Can Indirectly Pay for Household Items
Heating Assistance Program (HAP) / LIHEAP (energy bill help): HAP runs Oct 1–Apr 30 for regular benefits and year‑round for crisis. 2025 monthly income limits are posted online; benefits are paid to the fuel/electric vendor, not to you. Ask about SRHUD deposits if your new subsidized unit requires an electric or gas deposit. Expect up to 45 days for non‑crisis decisions; crisis cases vary by queue and documentation. Apply via HAP page and review the FAQ. (health.alaska.gov)
General Relief Assistance (GRA): GRA is a last‑resort state fund for emergencies like utility shutoff, eviction, food, or clothing when no other program fits. In most cases payments go straight to the vendor and amounts are capped per household member. Apply through the Alaska Connect Portal listed at GRA program page. (health.alaska.gov)
Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) / TANF: ATAP provides monthly cash and work‑first services; case managers may authorize limited supportive services such as interview clothing or tools that stabilize employment. Confirm with your worker whether a thrift voucher or small purchase of household basics fits your employment plan. Start at ATAP overview. (health.alaska.gov)
Public housing & vouchers: When you’re placed in AHFC housing or receive a voucher, ask your housing worker to connect you to partners that provide “home setup” kits. Use AHFC Housing Assistance Locations and Statewide Homeless Housing Office numbers to reach the right team. Emergency Housing Vouchers and other programs rely on Coordinated Entry—see AHFC EHV page for local contacts. (ahfc.us)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your worker to add “household goods needed for habitability” to your stabilization plan and to send a referral to CSS/SVDP/ACEH or a tribal program. If waitlists are long, ask for a short‑term GRA request for essential clothing/linens while you keep working your plan. (health.alaska.gov)
Eligibility, Application Steps, Documents, and Timelines
Here’s what most agencies will ask for. Always carry photos on your phone and bring paper copies if you have them.
- Proof of identity: state ID/driver’s license, tribal ID, or Social Security card (HAP accepts multiple ID types). Bring kids’ birth certificates for family shelters. See HAP client resources. (health.alaska.gov)
- Proof of current housing status: lease, landlord letter, shelter letter, or a self‑declaration if you’re unsheltered. Ask your navigator at ACEH to help you prepare this quickly. (aceh.org)
- Bills and notices: recent heating/electric bills, shutoff or eviction notices, and any deposit requirements for new units—needed for HAP/SRHUD and GRA. See HAP overview. (health.alaska.gov)
- Income: prior month’s pay stubs, benefits letters, or a work statement if you can’t find stubs; HAP explains how to report income and timeframes. See HAP FAQ. (health.alaska.gov)
- Timelines: HAP non‑crisis can take up to 45 days; expect similar or faster decisions for GRA when fully documented; nonprofit furniture requests depend on inventory and may take days to weeks. Verify current timeframes by phone. See HAP FAQ. (health.alaska.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Have your navigator escalate: call the HAP/LIHEAP line at the Virtual Contact Center (800‑478‑7778) for status; ask ACEH or 2‑1‑1 to identify a second charity for backup. If you’re Alaska Native/American Indian, apply in parallel with your tribal LIHEAP (e.g., TCC or Kenaitze). (health.alaska.gov)
Tables You Can Use Right Now
Statewide “Where to Start” Snapshot
| Program or Contact | What they do | How to reach | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska 2‑1‑1 | One‑stop referral to furniture, vouchers, move‑in kits, shelters | Dial 2‑1‑1 or 1‑800‑478‑2221; email Alaska211@ak.org | Same day referral; callback by next business day. (alaska211.org) |
| ACEH Coordinated Entry | Housing assessment; “new home kits” via partners | 907-312-9530; drop‑in at 1101 E 3rd Ave | Assessment same week; kits depend on supply. (aceh.org) |
| CSS Homeless Family Services | Case management; furniture placement when housed | See program pages; call CSS main line | Varies by stock and case status. (cssalaska.org) |
| HAP (LIHEAP) | Heat/energy help; SRHUD deposits | Apply online/by mail/at DPA offices | Up to 45 days non‑crisis; crisis varies. (health.alaska.gov) |
| Access Alaska DME Loan Closet | Free borrow of hospital beds, shower benches, etc. | Anchorage 907‑248‑4777 (statewide offices listed) | Often same week if in stock. (accessalaska.org) |
Furniture and Household Sources by Situation
| Your situation | Ask here first | Also try |
|---|---|---|
| Moving from shelter into housing | ACEH new home kits | Habitat ReStore; SVDP Juneau. (aceh.org) |
| Need a bed/couch ASAP | CSS HFS furniture list | Bishop’s Attic Anchorage; Valley Charities. (cssalaska.org) |
| Safety or domestic violence | AWAIC (Anchorage) | AWARE (Juneau); IAC in Fairbanks. (awaic.org) |
| Need hospital bed/shower chair | Access Alaska DME | Hospice of Anchorage (loan closet). (accessalaska.org) |
Utility Shutoff Quick Reference
| Step | Action | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Request a written deferred payment agreement | Your utility; see Chugach Member Services |
| 2 | Apply to HAP (regular or crisis) | HAP program page |
| 3 | Know your rights (no Friday shutoffs, notice required) | RCA disconnection rules and RCA consumer page |
Tribal and Veteran‑Specific Help
| Group | Program | How it can help |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Native/American Indian | CITC financial assistance & TANF | Critical‑needs support and supportive services; ask about household needs during move‑in. (citci.org) |
| Interior Alaska | TCC TANF | Temporary cash and work supports; may cover basic needs with a plan. (tananachiefs.org) |
| Southeast Alaska | Tlingit & Haida services | Regional programs and referrals to local assistance. (tlingitandhaida.gov) |
| Veterans (Anchorage & Mat‑Su) | CSS SSVF | Case management; can fund move‑in essentials when exiting homelessness. (cssalaska.org) |
Fast Shopping Alternatives (Low or No Cost)
| Option | Why it’s useful | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Freecycle groups | Everything must be free; local pickup | Freecycle Anchorage (freecycle.org) |
| Habitat ReStore | Deep discount on furniture/appliances | Habitat Anchorage ReStore (habitatanchorage.org) |
| Bishop’s Attic (Anchorage/Palmer) | Low prices; frequent stock turnover | Bishop’s Attic and Bishop’s Attic II (thebishopsattic.com) |
Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups
Anchorage (Municipality of Anchorage): Start with ACEH Coordinated Entry for a housing assessment and connection to “new home kits.” For furniture and household goods after placement, ask Catholic Social Services (HFS) and check the CSS furniture wish list to match what they can provide. For affordable basics, shop or ask about partner vouchers at Habitat ReStore. (aceh.org)
Mat‑Su (Wasilla/Palmer): Call Valley Charities — turn‑A‑leaf to ask about merchandise vouchers and the medical equipment loan program; for emergency goods, contact The Salvation Army Mat‑Su at 907‑745‑7079. If you’re a veteran family, connect with CSS SSVF (Wasilla office) for move‑in support. (valleycharities.org)
Fairbanks/North Star: Check with Interior Alaska Center for Non‑Violent Living for safety needs, and ask Fairbanks Rescue Mission about clothing/household closets and referrals. The former Helping Alaska furniture bank closed in August 2025; ask 2‑1‑1 for current alternatives. (iacnvl.org)
Juneau/Southeast: Visit SVDP Juneau for free clothing/household supplies and possible vouchers; for survivors, contact AWARE about current needs and move‑out support. If you need assistive equipment, use SAIL loan closets. (svdpjuneau.org)
Kenai Peninsula: Alaska Native/American Indian families can check Kenaitze housing & energy services for prevention and support; for peninsula‑wide church coordination, call Love INC of the Kenai Peninsula at 907‑262‑5140 (clearinghouse). (kenaitze.org)
Nome/Balance of State: For EHV and CE access points outside Anchorage, see AHFC Emergency Housing Vouchers page which lists agencies like Nome Community Center. Call 2‑1‑1 to locate the nearest partner that can deliver or ship a small “welcome home” kit. (ahfc.us)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 2‑1‑1 to filter for “household goods,” “thrift vouchers,” and “welcome baskets” in your borough, then call each same day. If one says no, ask “who else is giving out kits or vouchers this week?” and record names. Use Freecycle/Buy Nothing to fill remaining gaps. (alaska211.org)
Diverse Communities: Tailored Help and Where to Ask
LGBTQ+ single mothers: Choosing Our Roots serves queer youth and young adults with host homes and housing supports in Anchorage and Mat‑Su; even if you’re over 24, staff often know friendly partners for household goods and can advise on safe pickups. Contact Choosing Our Roots at 907‑764‑6233 and coordinate with ACEH for move‑in kits. Ask about affirming providers listed by Identity Alaska. (choosingourroots.org)
Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Borrow durable medical equipment (hospital beds, shower benches, transfer seats) through Access Alaska’s DME Loan Closet or SAIL loan closets if you live in Southeast. For Fairbanks, check the ACCA loan closet. Ask agencies for large‑print forms or TTY access; state lines, including HAP’s VCC, use Alaska Relay 7‑1‑1. (accessalaska.org)
Veteran single mothers: The VA‑funded Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) at CSS covers Anchorage and Mat‑Su and can pay for move‑in essentials and deposits as part of a housing plan. Start at CSS SSVF or call the Alaska VA Health Care line to connect. For statewide veteran information and local clinics, the State Office of Veterans Affairs and VA clinic directory list phone numbers by region. (cssalaska.org)
Immigrant and refugee single moms: CSS’s Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS) supports new families with home setup basics; ask your RAIS caseworker about furniture and kitchen kits. If you arrived recently, confirm what was already provided and request missing items. See RAIS wish list and CSS in‑kind donations. (cssalaska.org)
Tribal‑specific resources: Anchorage area Alaska Native families can apply for CITC critical‑needs and TANF and ask about household goods during stabilization; Interior families should check TCC TANF/GA for emergency basics and TCC Energy Assistance for heat. On the Kenai, contact Kenaitze housing and energy programs. (citci.org)
Rural single moms with limited access: Ask 2‑1‑1 for agencies that can ship welcome kits to your village or hub, and check your tribal office for LIHEAP wood/propane and emergency blankets. Use AHFC’s Balance of State Coordinated Entry and your local housing coalition to get on a list for help quickly. (alaskahousing-homeless.org)
Single fathers and two‑parent households: Programs listed here generally serve families regardless of the parent’s gender. If a listing looks “moms‑only,” ask for a referral to the family version of the program through Alaska 2‑1‑1 or your local coalition. (alaska211.org)
Language access: Alaska 2‑1‑1 provides interpretation on calls; state programs like HAP offer TTY/Alaska Relay at 7‑1‑1 and can coordinate language services. Ask for “large‑print applications” and interpretation at each contact point. See HAP contact & language access info. (health.alaska.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Have your advocate or tribal worker send a joint email to two agencies at once (e.g., CSS + SVDP), and ask 2‑1‑1 to add a “language/ADA accommodation needed” note so callbacks use the right format from the start. (alaska211.org)
Resources by Region (Quick Directory)
- Anchorage: ACEH Coordinated Entry 907‑312‑9530; CSS Get Help; Habitat ReStore. For utilities, Chugach Electric 907‑563‑7366. (aceh.org)
- Mat‑Su (Wasilla/Palmer): Valley Charities turn‑A‑leaf 907‑376‑5708; Salvation Army Mat‑Su 907‑745‑7079; veterans use CSS SSVF. (valleycharities.org)
- Fairbanks/North Star: Interior Alaska Center for Non‑Violent Living 907‑452‑2293; Fairbanks Rescue Mission 907‑452‑5343. Furniture bank note: Helping Alaska closure. (iacnvl.org)
- Juneau/Southeast: SVDP Juneau 907‑789‑5535; AWARE 907‑586‑6623; SAIL loan closets. (svdpjuneau.org)
- Kenai Peninsula: Kenaitze Housing & Energy 907‑335‑7228 / Energy Assistance 907‑335‑7600; Love INC Kenai Peninsula 907‑262‑5140. (kenaitze.org)
- Nome/Western hubs: Use AHFC EHV hub list and call your local coalition listed there; ask 2‑1‑1 for “household kits” near your hub. (ahfc.us)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask any agency above to “refer across” to another listed partner and to copy you on the email; joint referrals move faster and document your need. (alaska211.org)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting for the perfect couch: Take what’s safe and functional now from ReStore or SVDP, then upgrade later. Stock moves fast; asking for hold tags or vouchers can make the difference. (habitatanchorage.org)
- Not combining energy help with payment plans: Apply to HAP and set a deferred payment plan at your utility the same day; knowing RCA rules helps you negotiate. (health.alaska.gov)
- Assuming one “no” means no everywhere: Inventory changes daily. Re‑call 2‑1‑1 and ask for newly added listings and church “gap ministries” (e.g., Love INC or SVDP conferences) in your borough. (alaska211.org)
Reality Check
Funding and wait times: Non‑crisis HAP can take up to 45 days to process; some nonprofits pause furniture vouchers when donations run low. Always call to confirm current availability before applying. See HAP FAQ and partner pages like ACEH — new home kits. (health.alaska.gov)
Local changes: Programs can open/close. Example: Fairbanks’ Helping Alaska (formerly Love INC) closed permanently in 2025, including its furniture bank; ask for current replacements via Alaska 2‑1‑1. (helpingalaska.org)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Need | First call | Also try | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed/sofa this week | CSS HFS | SVDP Juneau / SVDP Anchorage | Ask for thrift vouchers; pickup may be required. (cssalaska.org) |
| Kitchen/bedding kit | ACEH kits | Habitat ReStore | New items; limited supply; bring lease letter. (aceh.org) |
| Hospital bed/shower bench | Access Alaska DME | SAIL loan closets | No‑cost loans; call ahead for stock. (accessalaska.org) |
| Heat bill shutoff | HAP | Your utility’s payment plan (e.g., Chugach) | HAP crisis help year‑round. (health.alaska.gov) |
Application Checklist (printable/screenshot‑friendly)
- Photo ID: driver’s license, state ID, tribal ID, or Social Security card ready
- Proof of family makeup: kids’ birth certificates or custody/guardianship papers
- Current address or status: lease, landlord letter, shelter verification, or self‑declaration
- Income proof: last month’s pay stubs/benefit letters, or employer work statement
- Recent utility bill(s): heat/electric bills; any shutoff or deposit notice
- Move‑in document: voucher award, lease approval, or unit address and start date
- Contact list: case manager, 2‑1‑1 referral number, and two backup agencies
- Accommodation needs: large‑print forms, interpreter request, or TTY/Alaska Relay 7‑1‑1
If Your Application Gets Denied (Troubleshooting)
- Read the denial reason: For HAP, check whether it’s missing documents or income over the limit; you can reapply if your income changed. See HAP FAQ. (health.alaska.gov)
- Appeal or re‑submit: Ask your caseworker or 2‑1‑1 to help fax missing items immediately and request a manager review. Use DPA office finder to drop off paperwork. (health.alaska.gov)
- Ask for another fund: Request GRA as a stopgap, or a tribal energy grant if you’re eligible; see GRA overview and TCC Energy Assistance. (health.alaska.gov)
- Re‑route furniture requests: Have your navigator send the ask to two charities at once (e.g., CSS + SVDP), and add a note that kids are sleeping on floors to prioritize beds. Use ACEH kits as a backup. (aceh.org)
County/Borough Notes and Variations
- Anchorage: Coordinated Entry is centralized via ACEH; CSS programs are dense here, and ReStore has daily stock. Utility rules and contacts go through Chugach Electric. (aceh.org)
- Mat‑Su Borough: Strong church/charity network (e.g., Valley Charities); Salvation Army is active; veterans can use CSS SSVF Wasilla office. (valleycharities.org)
- Fairbanks North Star Borough: Use Fairbanks Rescue Mission for clothing/household basics; the old furniture bank is closed, so rely on Freecycle and church partners. (fairbanksrescuemission.org)
- Juneau (City & Borough): SVDP Juneau offers free household supplies and vouchers; survivors use AWARE. (svdpjuneau.org)
- Kenai Peninsula Borough: Alaska Native families should contact Kenaitze for housing/energy supports which can free up cash for goods. (kenaitze.org)
Common Questions (FAQs)
How do I get a free bed for my kids in Anchorage this month: Start with ACEH Coordinated Entry and ask your navigator to request a new home kit; also call CSS Homeless Family Services and ask about bed availability or vouchers. If supply is tight, ask SVDP Anchorage to check parish inventories. (aceh.org)
My energy bill is overdue. How fast can HAP help: Non‑crisis HAP can take up to 45 days; if you have a shutoff notice, ask for crisis processing and set up a deferred payment plan with your utility right away to pause disconnection. See HAP FAQ and RCA consumer page. (health.alaska.gov)
Is there a furniture bank in Fairbanks right now: The former Helping Alaska furniture bank closed in 2025. Call Alaska 2‑1‑1 for current church/charity options, and ask Fairbanks Rescue Mission about household items and referrals. (helpingalaska.org)
Can veterans get help with move‑in essentials: Yes—SSVF can fund deposits and basic setup for eligible veteran households in Anchorage and Mat‑Su. Contact CSS SSVF or your local VA clinic/Vet Center. (cssalaska.org)
Where can I get free pots, pans, and linens in Juneau: Try SVDP Juneau for household supplies and ask AWARE about current stock for families transitioning from shelter. (svdpjuneau.org)
Do tribes help with household items: Many tribal programs cover heat, emergency hotel nights, and sometimes move‑in needs. Start with CITC in Anchorage, TCC TANF/Energy in Interior, or Kenaitze on the Kenai. (citci.org)
Are there free medical beds or shower chairs: Yes. Borrow at no cost through Access Alaska (statewide) or SAIL loan closets in Southeast; Anchorage families can also check Hospice of Anchorage. (accessalaska.org)
Who regulates shutoff rules in Alaska: The Regulatory Commission of Alaska regulates billing, deposits, payment plans, and disconnections; see the consumer page and disconnection regulation for details. Start complaints there if needed. See RCA consumer page and 3 AAC 52.450 text. (rca.alaska.gov)
Can I get furniture through Salvation Army: Some corps issue thrift vouchers when funding allows. In Mat‑Su, contact Salvation Army Mat‑Su at 907‑745‑7079, and ask 2‑1‑1 for active corps near you. (business.wasillachamber.org)
Can AHFC help with household setup: AHFC itself doesn’t supply furniture, but housing workers can refer you to local partners that do, and CE navigators can request “new home kits” where available. See AHFC homeless housing office and ACEH kits. (ahfc.us)
Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español (traducción generada con herramientas de IA)
Acción rápida: Llame a Alaska 2‑1‑1 (2‑1‑1 o 1‑800‑478‑2221) para pedir ayuda con “muebles,” “artículos para el hogar,” y “kits de mudanza.” En Anchorage, use ACEH Coordinated Entry (907‑312‑9530). Para energía, solicite HAP (LIHEAP) y pida un plan de pago a su compañía (reglas del RCA). Para sobrevivientes de violencia, contacte AWAIC (907‑272‑0100) o AWARE (907‑586‑6623). Para equipos médicos en casa, llame a Access Alaska o SAIL (SE).
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.
This guide uses official sources including:
- Alaska Department of Health — Heating Assistance Program (HAP) and HAP FAQ (health.alaska.gov)
- Alaska 2‑1‑1 (United Way of Anchorage) (alaska211.org)
- Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) and Homeless Housing Office (ahfc.us)
- Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH) and ACEH move‑in kits (aceh.org)
- Catholic Social Services Alaska — Get Help & HFS furniture list (cssalaska.org)
- St. Vincent de Paul Juneau and SVDP Anchorage (svdpjuneau.org)
- Habitat for Humanity Anchorage ReStore (habitatanchorage.org)
- Access Alaska — DME Loan Closet and SAIL loan closets (accessalaska.org)
- Regulatory Commission of Alaska consumer page and 3 AAC 52.450 disconnections (rca.alaska.gov)
- AWARE (Juneau) wish list and AWAIC (Anchorage) donations page (awareak.org)
- Valley Charities — turn‑A‑leaf (Mat‑Su) (valleycharities.org)
- Helping Alaska closure notice (Fairbanks) (helpingalaska.org)
Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.
This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer
This article is informational and not legal advice. Program availability, eligibility, and amounts change with funding and policy updates. Always confirm current availability with the agency or utility before applying. If you are in danger, call 911; for crisis counseling, call 988. For coordinated housing help, contact Alaska 2‑1‑1 or the nearest Coordinated Entry access point listed above. (alaska211.org)
Notes on formatting
- Bold text appears immediately before colons to meet accessibility and scanning requests.
- Inline links are italicized and descriptive to help you jump straight to the right page.
🏛️More Alaska Resources for Single Mothers
Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Alaska
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