As we wrap up this incredible year, I couldn’t be more proud of the amazing work my team has done. They continue to inspire me with their unwavering dedication and passion for walking alongside the individuals we serve. Every single day, they bring their hearts and commitment to our mission—addressing the challenges within Anchorage’s homeless response system, and most importantly, breaking down the stigma around homelessness by courageously sharing their own lived experiences. This is just one of the many reasons why our lived experience and peer support system is at the heart of our success and growth.
We truly couldn’t do this work without each and every member of our team, and we’re so grateful for their contributions. As we celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together, we also look forward to the journey ahead, ready to make even greater strides in the new year.
Please note that our main office will be closed from December 24th to December 27th, as well as on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, to allow our team time to celebrate the holiday season and reflect on all that we’ve achieved.
Providing Warming
I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you all—our team has been awarded the warming contract with the city, which will allow us to provide a safe and warm place for 50 Alaskans to stay during the coldest nights of the year. These warming centers are a critical lifeline for individuals experiencing homelessness who don’t have access to shelter beds, offering them a safe alternative to sleeping outdoors in the harsh winter conditions.
We are deeply grateful to the city for recognizing the urgency of the situation and acknowledging that there are simply not enough shelter beds to meet the needs of the nearly 2,800 Alaskans currently experiencing homelessness. This partnership is an important step toward finding innovative solutions and preventing even more tragedies from occurring.
This year alone, there have been 47 reported outdoor deaths, which is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing. Many of these deaths could have been avoided with better access to shelter, resources, and support. The warming centers are just one part of the solution, and we’re committed to continuing our efforts to ensure that no one is left out in the cold.
Together, we are making a difference, and we are proud to be part of a community that is working to protect and support our most vulnerable neighbors. As we head into the winter months, we remain committed to doing everything we can to prevent further loss of life and to create a safer, more supportive environment for all Alaskans.
Fueling the Future
I am absolutely thrilled to announce that Rocket Fuel has experienced tremendous growth and is now proudly providing meals for 265 students across six Title 1 elementary schools in Anchorage! This week, our amazing team worked hard to pack bags filled with meals and snacks to ensure these students are well taken care of during the entire winter break—two full weeks of nutritious meals and support. It’s inspiring to see how our community is coming together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the support we’ve received.
But that’s not all—this is just the beginning! As we continue to grow, we are excited to expand our impact and reach even more students in need. Our mission is to ensure no child goes hungry, and with each new step, we’re getting closer to that goal. It’s incredible to think about how much we’ve accomplished already, and we’re only just getting started!
I would love to personally invite you to join us at Rocket Fuel’s Open House on Friday, January 10th, from 4-6 pm, at our Launch Pad located at 4011 Arctic Blvd, STE 206D. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what we do, meet our team, and see firsthand how we’re fueling the future of Anchorage’s kids. We’ll share the exciting plans we have for 2025, and we’d love for you to be a part of it. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can continue making a lasting impact in our community.
We can’t wait to see you there and show you how your involvement helps us make a difference—thank you for being a part of the Rocket Fuel family as Juice Box Heros!
Walking beside you,
Shawn Hays
Founder & Executive Director