Find alternatives to calling the Anchorage Police Department.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
- Alaska211
- Centralized system for referral to emergency shelter and local food bank locations.
- 211
- https://alaska211.org/
- Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission
- Hands out meals and clothing from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
- 2823 E Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507
- (907) 563-5603 (24/7)
- https://www.anchoragerescue.org/
- Clare House
- Offers services to women who have or are expecting children and are experiencing homelessness. Services including safe, warm shelter, food, water and other necessities. While families are transitioning out of survival mode, offers 24-hour support and case management services to help guide families to permanent stability. Can also refer low-income women to progressive housing program. Call for intake.
- 4110 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK 99517
- (907) 563-4545 x 100 for intake and screening (24/7)
- https://www.cssalaska.org/our-programs/clare-house/
LGBTQ+
- Identity Alaska
- Identity, Inc. provides education, consultation, referral, and support for children, youth and adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, genderqueer, intersex, and/or queer, or who are in the process of questioning their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. Facilitates community and support groups. Presently all services virtual.
- 801 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 103
- (907) 929-4528
- https://identityalaska.org/
Mental Health
- Alaska Careline
- 24/7 crisis and suicide hotline. Can provide referrals to local resources. Confidential and free. Services available throughout the state. Will be adding mobile intervention teams in some cities in 2021.
- 1 (877) 266-4357 (24/7)
- Alaska Community Mental Health Services
- Provides both crisis and long-term mental health care for children, families, teens, and adults. This includes individual and group therapy, case management, and medication management.
- 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 4020 Folker St, Anchorage AK 99508
- (907) 563-1000
- alaskabehavioralhealth.org
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis
- Maintains a shelter where victims of domestic violence and their children may seek help any time they are in danger. Domestic violence victims may stay up to one month while they make decisions about what they will do next. Residents can access services and shelter 24-hours per day through the crisis hotline or walk-in. All services are offered on a voluntary basis. Safe Haven Program, provides safe foster care for pets while families receive the safety and support of our emergency shelter.
- 100 W. 13th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501
- (907) 272-0100 (24/7)
- http://www.awaic.org/
- Standing Together Against Rape (STAR) Alaska
- Free services for sexual assault survivors and survivors of domestic violence. Can connect callers to legal services, advocacy services, accompaniment to forensic examinations and SART reporting, and counseling. All services are free of charge, telehealth counseling available. Police reporting not required to access services.
- (907) 276-7273 (24/7)
- Toll Free: 1 (800) 478-8999
- https://staralaska.com/
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
- Ch’wala Youth Program
- Substance abuse and addiction programming for youth age 12-24. Provides case management, employment assistance, housing and other assistance. Clinician available for youth with co-occurring mental health concerns. A service of the Cook Inlet Tribal Council. Preference to American Indian and Alaskan Native youth, but open to all. LGBTQ+ friendly, trauma-informed services.
- (907) 793-3200
- https://citci.org/recovery/youth-recovery-services/
- Covenant House Alaska
- Shelter and other support services for homeless and runaway youth. Through the Youth Engagement Center, youth have 24/7 drop-in access to an array of programs and services including medical attention at our clinic, critical mental health and substance abuse counseling, as well as a warm meal, a hot shower, dry clothes and a safe place to sleep. Also operates 24/7 helpline.
- 755 A Street, Anchorage, AK 99501
- (907) 272-1255 (24/7)
- https://covenanthouseak.org/
- My House
- Provides transitional shelter and a hot meal for youth aged 14-24 suffering or at risk of homelessness. Case management offered on site. Case Management offers food, clothing, shower and laundry services, employment services, public health care, mediation services, help with legal issues and support and referral for mental health and substance abuse treatment. Offers a hot supper from 3 -4pm every day for any homeless youth age 14-24 who are hungry. This is available to both clients and non-clients with no strings attached.
- 300 North Willow, Wasilla, AK 99654
- (907) 373-4357
- https://myhousematsu.org/
Elders
Coming soon.
Crime
- Alaska Legal Services Corporation
- Free civil legal services to low-income or disadvantaged people. Provides legal aid in all types of family law matters for DV victims including child abduction, restraining orders, divorce, paternity, custody, visitation and child support. Provides assistance to tribes in need who lack the means to secure legal assistance. Services include one-time consultations, court representation, community legal education, and advocacy. Statewide services.
- 1 (888) 478-2572
- alsc-law.org
- Victims for Justice
- Assists victims of violent crime and surviving family of homicide victims throughout Alaska. Provides crisis intervention, emergency financial assistance, court accompaniment and victim impact statement assistance, grief support services, Remembrance Ceremonies, education and referrals to other agencies. Offers free, confidential emotional support and practical advice to help victims and family members cope and recover following a traumatic event.
- (907) 278-0977
- Toll Free: 1 (888) 835-1213
- https://victimsforjustice.org/
Substances
- Ch’wala Youth Program
- Substance abuse and addiction programming for youth age 12-24. Provides case management, employment assistance, housing and other assistance. Clinician available for youth with co-occurring mental health concerns. A service of the Cook Inlet Tribal Council. Preference to American Indian and Alaskan Native youth, but open to all. LGBTQ+ friendly, trauma-informed services.
- (907) 793-3200
- https://citci.org/recovery/youth-recovery-services/
- True North Recovery
- Drug and alcohol treatment center offering culturally competent care and same-day access to services. Crisis hotline offers support and help for people in crisis who are either in the hospital experiencing a crisis. Staff members are on-call and respond with compassion and understanding with a robust knowledge of the community’s resources. Assist with developing a safety plan, and provides instant access to peer support services, case management, counseling and support to resolve your crisis and take next steps towards recovery.
- Main office: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 591 S. Knik Goose Bay Rd., Wasilla, AK 99654
- (907) 982-HOPE (24/7 Crisis Hotline)
- (907) 313-1333 (Office)
- https://tnrak.org/
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Anchorage Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.