Baranof Island Housing Authority (BIHA) has achieved two items on its ‘to-do’ list from the Sitka Housing Summit meeting hosted in Sitka in 2024. BIHA, who co-hosted the event with the Sitka Tribe of Alaska and the City and Borough of Sitka, was asked to explore taking on more of a role in public housing for the general community. 

With the opening of the Headwaters units in the Kaasda Heen Shaanax apartment complex, BIHA is proud to have added 8 new units to Sitka’s long-term rental stock. At least 6 of the new units are reserved for people who earn less than 50% of the median family income (for the Sitka area). These units are eligible for support through the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) Housing Choice Vouchers and the HUD Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Vouchers (HUD-VASH). 

Funding for a large portion of the unit construction has come through the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s ‘Last Frontier’ grant. The remaining construction funding was provided by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Supplemental Housing Grant and the HUD ICBDG-ARP grant programs. BIHA is very grateful for the assistance provided for the construction of the units. 

The addition of 8 units that can address long-term rental shortages for the general community is important at a time when other low and moderate income rentals are being considered for redevelopment. Other notable contributions to Sitka’s long-term rental stock in 2026 have been made by Sitka’s non-profit sector which has delivered 11 units of housing for the chronically unhoused population, and 6 units for those earning less than 80% of the median family income. 

The grand opening of the units will be held on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026 at 142 Indian River Road. The ribbon cutting ceremony will commence at 2pm and members of the public are invited to tour the apartments from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.