Housing the homeless just a part of local ministry

A faith-based nonprofit organization has been quietly working for two decades to improve the lives of the hungry, the homeless, and the poor in the Mat-Su community.

Meadow Lakes-based Blood-n-Fire Ministry of Alaska opened its doors in 2005 with a mission to “reach the lost with the love of God and the message of Jesus … providing food, clothing and shelter for the poor, and offering a place where anyone can come rebuild their broken life and be restored to hope, self-worth and purpose.”

By partnering with other area nonprofits, Blood-n-Fire has expanded its reach and its range of services over the years. Most recently, with the assistance of the Mat-Su Health Foundation, the organization’s transitional housing program – Knik House – has really taken root.

Karey Gaston, Blood-n-Fire’s executive director, said Knik House staff is currently working its way through a waiting list and scheduling intake for the program, which typically secures employment for residents within two weeks of residency.

Another part of Blood-n-Fire’s ministry is a food pantry. It opened in 2009 in the Meadow Lakes City Center, serving 50 families a month. Gaston said that number has grown today to 450 families and 1,800 individuals per month.

The recent government food assistance crisis increased demand even more.

“Our mission is food, clothing, and shelter,” Gaston said. “We have had a 70% increase in requests for emergency food boxes during this time, and a 15% overall increase in clients served in November and December.” An upcoming $50,000 grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation to Blood-n-Fire’s food pantry initiative will help meet that new demand. People in need can call Blood-n-Fire at 907-864-0463 to set up an appointment for help.

The nonprofit Mat-Su Health Foundation has been seeding the success of nonprofit organizations around the Valley since its grant program began in 2008, after it became part owner of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. By returning a share of its hospital profits to the community through scholarships, sponsorships, and grants, the Health Foundation has invested more than $140 million in community health and wellness, while continuing to ensure that the hospital meets the needs of a growing population.

“Words cannot express the thankfulness we have for the support of the Mat-Su Health Foundation,” Gaston said. “Without that support, Blood-n-Fire and Knik House would not be what we are today.”

Gaston said from 2012 to 2025 Blood-n-Fire has helped 2,798 individuals and 745 families remain housed.

“Part of our mission statement is to offer a place where people can come to rebuild their lives and be restored to hope and self-worth,” she said. “All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing partners we get to work with daily to see the Mat-Su blessed,” she said.

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https://bloodnfireak.org/