Another step toward more permanent supportive housing in Juneau

Amidst all the challenges our community is facing I felt it pertinent to write about one really amazing thing. After years of planning, partnership, and perseverance, we are proud to open Phase 3 of Forget-Me-Not Manor —  28 brand-new beautiful units of permanent supportive housing for individuals who are experiencing chronic homelessness in Juneau. These 28 apartments are in addition to the 64 already existing at Forget-Me-Not Manor.

This summer, 28 lives will change for the better. For 28 of our community members, it’s the first time in years — or ever — they will have a place of their own. A real key. A real lease. A home that comes with dignity, privacy, and the support needed to stay housed for good.

Permanent supportive housing is a proven solution for people facing the toughest barriers to housing — whether due to mental health challenges, substance use, trauma, or long-term instability. While these 28 units will not solve the entire complex issue of homelessness in our community, the state, and the country, it is a meaningful contribution to the problem at hand, a tangible solution, albeit for a limited number of our neighbors

To give an example, one of the new residents is a 62-year-old gentleman who has been experiencing homelessness since 2001 when he moved from Hoonah to Juneau to be closer to his mom. He recalls living under the bridge  2005-2008 while working. He is no longer able to work after experiencing a debilitating assault. He says that he forgave the person who assaulted him, “Forgiveness is the best way forward,” he says. When I do the math, the number of years he has been living on the streets is pretty staggering. 

When told about the opportunity of moving into his own apartment, he felt relief and hope for the first time in years. He says “I feel like I was born again, getting a place of my own, I'll do it right this time.” 

He says the first thing he wants to do when he moves into his apartment is “wash all his clothes and get his stuff organized.” His belongings right now are scattered across town with different friends and family members. He is excited to cook deer meat and corn on the cob in his own kitchen and invite his children to come over for a homemade dinner. The last time he cooked a homemade dinner was in 1999, when he owned his own house in Hoonah. “It will feel great to cook for myself after 20-something years, it's different from cooking for all my friends at The Glory Hall. I will still come and visit and cook at The Glory Hall when I can, no doubt about that.”

This project took many years to complete and so many different hands and pens to bring together. Alaska Housing and Finance Corporation, US HUD, City and Borough of Juneau, the Rasmuson Foundation, the Juneau Community Foundation, Sealaska Corporation, Alaska Mental Health Trust, Tlingit and Haida Regional Housing Authority, Northern Light Church, 100 Women Who Care, Suddock Foundation, and so many Juneau community members, so many people donating plants, dishes, quilts, so many pieces coming together, so many permits issued, such amazing work completed by our design and building teams of MRV Architects and Dawson Construction. 

Equally vital to the opening of these new apartments are the remarkable individuals who lead the team over there. The program director and assistant program director have poured their hearts and minds into this project, guiding it with compassion, expertise, and dedication. Their leadership has been nothing short of inspiring — from navigating construction and advocating fiercely for residents, to ensuring that each new tenant feels welcomed, respected, and supported. Their commitment to creating not just housing, but a true sense of home and community, has shaped the facility into a home for now 92 residents. We are incredibly fortunate to have them at the helm. Their jobs are hard. Many people who move in are so medically fragile that they will pass away, but the passing will be in dignity and community. The grace of our staff, their patience, courage, and compassion inspires me every day. 

There is so much to feel anxious about right now, but also so much to be grateful for. Twenty-eight might be a small number, but 28 homes is no small matter. 

• Kaia Quinto is the executive director of the Juneau Housing First Collaborative, which operates the Glory Hall.