Stevens applauds senior housing efforts in Valley

WASILLA -- U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens visited the Wasilla Senior campus Tuesday to celebrate the opening and occupancy of the fifth housing addition to the campus.

"Wasilla is the center of one of our largest growing areas," Stevens said. "It makes good housing and economic sense for the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, The Richman Group and Fannie Mae to help finance new affordable housing developments in this area of Alaska."

The Eagle's Nest is the newest addition to the senior campus. Its doors opened in January with 26 units; all are occupied. The construction of this and other low-income campus senior housing is made available by low income tax credits.

"We are unique in that we are chartered by Congress to make sure affordable housing is available in this country at all times," said Fannie Mae Western Regional Office Vice President Ted Chandler. Fannie Mae is a nickname for the Federal National Mortgage Association, a non-bank financial services company. The company has been involved in the last two housing complexes built at the campus, and through its syndicator partner The Richman Group, has made a total equity investment of $8.5 million in exchange for tax credits.

Stevens also acknowledged the unique challenge given to the Alaska Housing Finance Corp. and its affiliates like Fannie Mae.

"This public/private partnership has offered up solutions to housing problems," Stevens said. "It takes a willing state, willing people … It means something to know we are in Alaska but we are ahead of the game.

"I think the rest of the country will follow."

Each of The Eagle's Nest's one- or two-bedroom apartments has a refrigerator, gas range, dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer. All units are handicap accessible. Those present at the celebration chalked up the complex's full occupancy to both the quality of life and quality of housing available to the seniors.

"These developments represent the new face of affordable housing, providing attractive, high quality apartments that are affordable for those who need it most," said Dan Fauske, CEO and executive director of the Alaska Housing Finance Corp.

Additional partners in the effort to increase affordable housing include Community Development Inc., Valley Residential Services and Wasilla Area Seniors Inc.