Fairbanks Targets Empty Homes

Fairbanks is trying to unlock empty houses to bridge the housing shortage.

Two new programs just launched to tackle the rental shortage and aging housing stock across Fairbanks. One focuses on turning vacant and blighted homes back into livable rental units. Instead of letting properties sit empty, the goal is to rehab them and get them back on the market.

At the same time, a $2 million Healthy Homes grant will help income qualified homeowners fix serious issues like plumbing and moisture problems. When homes fall into disrepair, we lose units. This program is designed to stop that slide before houses become unlivable.

Together, the funding adds up to about $4 million flowing into local housing stability. That is not massive in statewide terms, but in Fairbanks it can move the needle.