Understanding intersectionality will help solve homelessness.

Did you know August is Intersectionality Awareness Month? This Intersectionality Awareness Month, we’re focusing on how overlapping challenges shape the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

Intersectionality looks at how different parts of a person’s identity - like race, gender, and class - overlap and connect. These overlapping identities can create unique experiences of disadvantage or discrimination, especially when multiple barriers exist at the same time.

For people experiencing homelessness, this often means facing more than one challenge at once: mental health struggles, substance use, generational poverty, or systemic inequities tied to race and gender. These factors don’t exist in isolation - they compound, making recovery and stability harder to achieve.

We see these intersections every day. That’s why we walk beside those we serve, meeting people where they are and addressing the whole picture to support long-term recovery.

Starting Operations in Midtown 

I’m excited to share that Henning will resume operations at the congregate shelter in Midtown - I’m thankful for this partnership with the municipality to create long lasting solutions for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Over the years, Henning Inc. has walked beside thousands of Alaskans, offering support through congregate and non-congregate shelters, emergency cold weather shelters, warming centers, and housing initiatives.

Having successfully operated the CWS shelter in the past, we are ready to step back into this role and continue providing these critical services to our community. Together, we can ensure that every neighbor has a safe, supportive place to turn when they need it most. Learn more by reading our full release here. 

Summer Food Program, Weekend Meal Bags, and Back to School Bash 

Since the beginning of summer, our supplemental nutrition program, Rocket Fuel, has been hard at work serving healthy, delicious meals to youth across Anchorage. Hundreds of children from neighborhoods all over the city have benefited from consistent access to nutritious food, helping them stay active, energized, and ready to learn.

With the new school year beginning, Rocket Fuel is transitioning to weekend meal bags delivered to participating elementary schools. This shift ensures that students continue to have reliable access to food outside of school days, supporting their well-being throughout the year.

To celebrate the season and the students we serve, we are thrilled to host our very first Back to School Bash this Saturday! This event brings together families, educators, and community members to celebrate learning, growth, and a fresh start for every child. 

Together, through Rocket Fuel and community events like the Back to School Bash, we are making sure that no child starts the year hungry and every student feels supported as they step into the classroom. Follow Rocket Fuel on Facebook to watch how we continue to fuel the future. 

Walking with you, 

Shawn Hays

Founder and Executive Director 

Henning Inc.