Pacific Community Of Alaska

The API-GBV grant funded the creation of the Alaska Pasifika Safe Homes (APSH) Program, which supports Pasifika families with five or more household members-whether nuclear, extended, or multigenerational-who are fleeing from or affected by domestic violence or sexual assault. The program provides assistance such as first month's rent or security deposit, basic needs support, and resource navigation for eligible families. Through APSH, PCA has built partnerships with mainstream service providers across approved service areas and works collaboratively across city borders to ensure coordinated support. PCA also educates the community about domestic violence and sexual assault (DV/SA) and continues to host community sessions that promote healing and openness by encouraging survivors to share their stories. The program emphasizes age- and gender-specific engagement strategies, and the use of film as a conversation starter, has proven to be an effective tool for fostering dialogue.

The federal grant expands the work of the Alaska Pasifika Safe Homes (APSH) Program by establishing a Case Management System that improves coordination with eligible community members through partner referrals. This grant also supported the development of a cultural training curriculum called the "Pasifika Way," designed to help service providers enhance culturally responsive support in the program's coverage areas. The curriculum was peer-reviewed to ensure its relevance and adaptability across diverse audiences. To foster deeper engagement, the program also introduced "Ipu-ki" Sessions-small, intimate discussion groups that create safe spaces for communities where topics like domestic violence and sexual assault (DV/SA) are still difficult to discuss openly. Recognizing that culture plays a key role in community engagement, the program integrates cultural elements and props into its sessions. These items, sourced directly from the Pacific Islands, are essential to maintaining authenticity and resonance with participants.

Cohort with the State of Alaska Department of Health to develop culturally relevant initiatives to facilitate NHPI communities with their health journeys. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center (ANHC) to provide culturally relevant patient relations and provider connections.