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Building Hope: A New MY House Project for Homeless and At-Risk Youth in the Mat-Su

Updated: Aug 28

At Sunshine Community Health Center, we believe in the power of partnership, shared purpose, and uplifting the incredible work being done across our region. Today, we’re excited to share news about a project that isn’t ours — but that we are deeply supportive of and inspired by. This transformative work is being led by MY House, a community-driven organization that has long been a lifeline for homeless and at-risk youth in the Mat-Su.


A New Center, A New Chapter for MY House

Construction is now underway on a major expansion of MY House's capacity and services. With roughly 64 beds planned, the new facility at 800 N. Wasilla-Fishhook Road will provide specialized housing and care for youth experiencing behavioral health challenges, trauma, or housing instability. This project represents the continuation of MY House’s deep commitment to youth empowerment and healing.


The new facility will feature:

🔹 “Redemption” Housing – Safe, trauma-informed care for survivors of sex trafficking, including boys (a group often left out of the conversation, despite 1 in 5 experiencing victimization).

🔹 Emergency Shelter for Minors – The first of its kind in the Mat-Su region, this space will provide immediate housing for youth under 18.

🔹 3.1 Treatment Program Relocation – MY House will move its behavioral health program into the new facility, offering a more integrated and supportive environment.

🔹 Community & Creative Spaces – A café and theater area will bring youth together for music, art, open mic nights, and healing through shared experiences.

🔹 Partnership with V.O.A. & ARCH – Through a partnership with Volunteers of America and the ARCH residential treatment program in Eagle River, the center will offer structured aftercare and even include a Recovery High School.


Meanwhile, the current MY House location at 300 N. Willow Street will remain open as a drop-in resource hub, continuing to provide food, showers, laundry, job training, and employment services.


The project is being managed by Rachel Ridge, with architectural design by the son of one of the founding board members and is a graduate of Colony High School with construction by Watterson Construction — which includes former MY House youth clients as part of the crew!

🔨 Shoutout to Watterson Construction for breaking ground and helping bring this dream to life. Fun fact: our own Community Relations Manager, Sierra Winter, has a personal connection to this project — her brother is leading the Watterson crew building something grand for Alaska’s youth.
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About MY House

Founded in 2009 by Michelle Overstreet, MY House began with the belief that our community could — and should — do more for youth facing homelessness. By 2011, MY House was officially certified as a 501(c)(3), and in 2013 opened its drop-in center in downtown Wasilla. Over the past decade, they have served over 1,000 youth, offering life-changing support and connection.


In 2022, MY House received federal funding to build this new facility — a dream now turning into reality.


While our communities are spread throughout the Mat-Su Valley, we’re reminded that Alaska is one big, connected community — and that connection is made stronger every day by YOU, the people we all serve. Whether you live in a city, village, or in between, this project is a shining example of what can happen when we invest in each other.


We’re honored to share this story and will continue to keep you updated as the work moves forward.



Sunshine Community Health Center

1-907-376-2273 (CARE)

*This article was written with the support of AI*

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