The growing housing shortage in Homer


Living in Homer, Alaska, I have seen firsthand how difficult it has become for people to find 

stable and affordable housing. What used to feel like a small, accessible community now has a 

rental market that is extremely limited, especially for year round residents. Many homes are used

as seasonal rentals or short term vacation stays, which reduces the number of available long term options for local workers, families, and students. According to the Alaska Housing Finance 

Corporation, Alaska continues to face a statewide housing shortage, with rural areas like Homer 

experiencing some of the most severe impacts due to limited construction and high demand.


One of the biggest issues is that housing costs are rising faster than wages. Many people who 

work full time in essential jobs such as healthcare, education, and service industries still struggle  to afford rent in the community they serve. In Homer specifically, the lack of available rentals forces people into long commutes, overcrowded living situations, or leaving the area entirely. 


The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports that Alaska has one of the highest housing 

wage gaps in the country, meaning workers often cannot afford fair market rent without multiple 

jobs or additional support. It’s hard to find a house even for one person that actually has running 

water for any less than $1,600 now.


This shortage is not just an inconvenience, it directly affects the strength and stability of the 

community. When workers cannot live where they work, local businesses and services suffer. 

Schools, clinics, and emergency services all feel the impact of staffing shortages tied to housing insecurity. Addressing this issue could include increasing the development of affordable housing 

units, encouraging year round rentals instead of seasonal conversions, and supporting policies 

that prioritize local residents’ access to housing, rather than the tourists.


Housing affordability in Homer is becoming a critical issue that affects nearly every 

part of community life. If changes are not made, it will become increasingly difficult for people 

to stay and build their lives here. By investing in long term housing solutions and supporting 

policies that prioritize local residents, Homer can remain a place where people are not only able 

to visit, but actually afford to live and contribute to the community.


Tea Chism

Sources: Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Housing Needs in Alaska; National Low Income Housing Coalition, Out of Reach Report




Brother Asaiah


“Dear Editor and Most Honorable Citizens Dancing on the Wheel of Destiny here in our gorgeous Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea …the higher round I am reaching for is love and compassion for all life on this planet…” These are some of the words our beloved Brother Asaiah wrote in his many letters to the editor during his time with us.


It is my joyous and distinct honor to announce the birth of the Brother Asaiah Chapter of Veterans For Peace in Homer on April 18, 2026


Our founding Veteran members represent the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. Our valuable, cherished Associate members, consist of Christians, Buddhists, Jews, and Muslims . We welcome all faiths and ethnicities who believe in our mission of promoting Peace and social justice.


Our only requirement is to value Peace, Love, and Understanding just like Brother Asaiah did. He encouraged us to love one another with no limitations whatsoever , to renounce war in honoring each and every soul who walks alongside us in this human/spiritual journey. He believed that people could learn to understand themselves and each other, and if they took the time to understand, war would not be necessary.


In his last letter to us, he says, “Dear Editor, and Beautiful Citizens dancing on the Karmic Wheel of Destiny…. Please be kind to one another. Love one another. Be thankful, so thankful and have compassion for all things. See you later and have a good trip !


Aum Mani Padme Hum.” (mantra of love, compassion, kindness, and wisdom)

We invite you to visit us at www.homervfp.com


Michael A. LeMay, Homer Veterans for Peace