Everyday Needs

Support for the basics

It’s hard to work on your mental health or substance use when basic needs come first. Worrying about housing, food, money, or transportation can take up all your energy. 

Next Move connects you to resources that help meet these needs, so you have more space to focus on what comes next. 

Housing 

Safe housing can make everything else easier. 

If you’re dealing with housing stress, mental health challenges, or substance use, you’re not alone. These Alaska resources can help you find a safe place to stay and support along the way. 

• 907 Navigation App 
  Housing, mental health, and substance use services by location 
• Alaska 211 (United Way 211) 
  Housing, shelter, and rent help near you 
  Dial 2-1-1 
• Alaska Housing Finance Corporation  (AHFC) 
  Rental help and homelessness prevention across Alaska 
  907-338-6100 
• Lutheran Social Services of Alaska (LSS) 
  Housing stability and recovery-focused support 
  907-563-4513 

Food  

Having enough food matters for health, energy, and mood. There are programs across Alaska to help.  

• Alaska 211  
  Helps you connect with available resources that best fit your needs. It’s free, confidential and language interpretation is available. 
• Alaska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) & Public Assistance 
  Monthly food benefits and financial support 
• Connect Mat-Su  
  Comprehensive health and social services information and referral hub, ensuring that every person in the Mat-Su Borough has what is needed to live a healthy and fulfilling life. https://
• Food Bank of Alaska 
  Connection point for local food pantries statewide 
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program 
  Free healthy foods, nutrition, and breastfeeding support for caretakers and small children 

Jobs & income support 

Having steady income can help with housing, food, and everyday needs. There are programs in Alaska that offer job training, help with resumes, and support for getting back to work. 

• Alaska Job Center Network
  Job listings, resume help, and training programs across Alaska. 
• Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP)
  Cash support and work help for eligible families. 
• Covenant House Alaska Job Training
  Work skills, mentoring, and job support for young adults ages 18–24 experiencing housing instability. 
• MyHouse Mat-Su Job Training 
  Job readiness classes and skill-building support for young adults ages 18–24. 

Health care 

Having a health care provider who feels safe, respectful, and supportive can make a big difference. The right care can help improve physical health, mental health, recovery, and pregnancy support. 

Some services below are designed for specific communities or life situations, so you can explore options that best match your identity, background, or needs. 

• Alaska 211 
  Help finding clinics, prenatal care, parenting support, and enrollment assistance across the state. 
• Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) 
  Health care services for Alaska Native and American Indian people, including prenatal, medical, and behavioral health care. 
• Alaska WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
  Nutrition support, breastfeeding help, and referrals for pregnancy support, new parents, and young children 
• Identity Alaska 
  Primary care and mental health services with a focus on LGBTQIA+ communities. 
• Medicaid / Denali KidCare
  Free or low-cost health insurance for eligible Alaskans, including coverage for pregnancy and postpartum care 

Insurance 

Health insurance can make it easier to get care for your body, mind, and overall well-being. If you’re a young adult, student, or between jobs, you several options. 

Options to explore 

• Medicaid (Alaska) - apply for Medicaid
  You may qualify for free or low-cost coverage based on income and household size.  
• Stay on a parent or guardian’s plan 
  Many people can stay on a parent or guardian’s health insurance plan until age 26. 
• Student health insurance plans 
  Colleges and universities often offer affordable plans for enrolled students. Check with your school’s health center or financial aid office. 
• Marketplace plans (Healthcare.gov) 
  You can compare plans and see if you qualify for financial help to lower monthly costs. 
• COBRA coverage (job-based insurance) 
  If you recently left a job or lost work hours, COBRA lets you keep your employer’s health plan for a limited time. 

How COBRA works: 

• Applies to most employers with 20+ employees 
• Covers events like job loss, reduced hours, divorce, or aging out of a plan 
• Coverage usually lasts 18–36 months, depending on the situation 
• You have 60 days to decide after getting a notice 
• You pay the premium, but coverage stays the same 

To use COBRA, contact your employer’s health insurance plan administrator to ask if you’re eligible and how long coverage would last. 

Not sure where to start? This guide can help you compare options and choose what fits your life right now: choosing health insurance as a young adult 

Transportation 

Having a way to get around helps with work, appointments, and daily life. Transportation support is available in many parts of Alaska. 

• Alaska 211
  Help finding transportation options near you, including local ride programs. 

Anchorage & Mat-Su 

• People Mover
  Public bus service in Anchorage. 
• Valley Transit
  Bus service in the Mat-Su Valley. 

Child Care 

Safe and reliable child care can make it easier to work, go to school, attend appointments, and take care of life’s responsibilities. Support is available to help families find care and pay for it. 

Alaska Department of Health – Child Care Resources 
Information about finding child care, child care assistance, and program rules in Alaska. 

• Child Care: For Parents and Families
• FAQ: Child care education and resources

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) 
Helps eligible families pay for child care so parents can work, attend school, or join training programs. 

You’re not alone 

If it’s hard to know where to begin Alaska 211 or the 907 Navigation App can help connect you to support and help you choose your next move.

Resources