Get to know us
Our Story
Every great idea starts with a moment of truth.
For Theresa Hankins, that moment came on a cold Anchorage night when she learned that one of her shelter clients — a man who used a wheelchair — had frozen to death outside. No shelter could take him. His needs were too great. His options were gone.
Theresa couldn’t sleep that night.
She kept thinking, “How can someone be too fragile to be helped?”
That question became the seed of Alaskan Way — a nonprofit born from compassion and built on the belief that no one should be left behind because of medical or physical challenges.
Theresa, a U.S. veteran, has always carried a heart for service. From a young age, she dreamed of helping the homeless, but life — college, the military, marriage, and raising children — took her in other directions. Years later, while working in the Anchorage shelter system, that dream came back to life. This time, she had the experience and determination to turn it into action.
She used her own savings — the money she had set aside to buy a home — to start Alaskan Way. She now works full time, without pay, to make sure others have a place to call home.
But Alaskan Way is not just Theresa’s dream. It’s a collective effort, built and carried forward by a board of people who share her belief in community care and cultural connection:
Theresa Hankins, Founder & President — the heart behind Alaskan Way, guided by empathy, service, and a relentless drive to fill the gaps others overlook.
Jessie Talivaa, Vice President — a strong advocate for those in need, with years of frontline experience and a heart for outreach.
Chris Kalmakoff, Secretary — a community leader dedicated to preserving Alaska Native values and promoting strength through tradition.
Chris McClelland, Board Member — known for his compassion and commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Liam Salter, Board Member — brings insight, care, and dedication to creating healthier pathways for our community.
Ziona Brownlow, Board Member — a strong advocate for equity and inclusion, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.
Together, they form a circle of strength — each bringing their own perspective, culture, and expertise to create something lasting.
Alaskan Way’s mission is simple but powerful: to build resilience in our community through our community.
From the soon-to-open Qasgiq House Shelter, designed for medically fragile individuals, to PCA Partners In Care, which will provide personal care assistance for those transitioning into stability, Alaskan Way is changing the way Anchorage cares for its people.
When Theresa isn’t working, you’ll find her tending to her garden or spending time with her granddaughter — small reminders that growth and nurturing take time, patience, and love.
That’s what Alaskan Way stands for:
A place where compassion grows.
Where healing begins.
And where no one — no matter their condition — is left out in the cold.




Our Approach
At Alaskan Way, we believe that healing and stability begin with safe housing — especially for individuals facing serious medical challenges while experiencing homelessness. Our approach is holistic, person-centered, and rooted in compassion.
We combine transitional housing with comprehensive case management to ensure each client receives the medical attention, social services, and life skills they need to move toward independence. We collaborate with healthcare providers, government agencies, and community partners to bridge the gap between crisis and stability.
Through our "Path to Resilience" program, residents engage in structured, goal-oriented activities that build confidence, accountability, and resilience. Each step is guided by care coordinators who understand the complexities of navigating both homelessness and health challenges.
By addressing immediate needs while planning for long-term outcomes, our model breaks the cycle of emergency interventions and lays the groundwork for sustainable, dignified living.


Theresa Hankins
Founder & Executive Director
Theresa Hankins is a veteran and nonprofit leader with over five years of experience in shelter system operations and case management. Having personally experienced homelessness, she brings deep empathy and insight to her work. Her mission-driven leadership focuses on creating sustainable housing and healthcare solutions for medically vulnerable individuals.


Jessie Talivaa
Board Member
Jessie Talivaa brings nearly a decade of leadership in shelter operations and housing programs. As Director of the E. 56th Shelter at Catholic Social Services, he plays a key role in supporting individuals facing homelessness. His contributions were recognized with the Polynesian Association of Alaska Award in 2023.


Christopher McClelland
Board Member
Christopher McClelland is a seasoned social worker with over 15 years of experience in transitional housing and support services. He currently serves as Program Manager at the Complex Care Shelter, where he leads efforts to serve individuals with complex medical and social needs. His approach is grounded in humility and long-term care solutions.


Liam Salter
Board Member
With nearly 40 years in behavioral health and social services, Liam Salter has extensive experience in case management and care coordination. As a Community Resource Specialist at Southcentral Foundation, he connects individuals with the vital support systems needed to transition from homelessness to stability.
Meet the Team
Alaskan Way is led by a dedicated team of professionals with extensive experience in social services, behavioral health, and community support. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on expertise, ensuring the organization is well-equipped to provide effective transitional housing and case management for medically fragile homeless individuals.Write your text here...




Ziona Brownlow
Board Member
Ziona Brownlow is an Anchorage-born systems challenger with nearly a decade of experience in social services and mutual-aid organizing. As the Healthcare Integration Director at the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness, they lead the Healthcare and Homelessness Initiative, fostering cross-sector partnerships to better serve individuals navigating complex healthcare and housing needs.
Christopher Kalmakoff
Board Member / Secretary
Chris Kalmakoff brings over two years of case management experience through his work with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and Cook Inlet Tribal Council, where he supported families through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and engaged closely with Alaska Native communities. Deeply rooted in tradition, he is passionate about preserving a subsistence-based Alaska Native lifestyle.