Get to know us

Our Story

Alaskan Way was founded by Theresa Hankins, a veteran and nonprofit professional with firsthand experience of homelessness. After years working in shelters, she saw how medically fragile individuals were often left behind unable to recover without safe, stable housing. Driven by compassion and lived experience, she launched Alaskan Way to fill that critical gap.

Today, we provide transitional housing, medical support, and life skills training to help vulnerable individuals heal, grow, and reclaim their independence. At Alaskan Way, we believe that housing is healthcare and that everyone deserves both.

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 Success 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...