The Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness, the cornerstone of the Anchorage homelessness industrial complex made up of several nonprofits, is not doing a good job with its financial reporting and accountability, according to an independent audit of the group for 2023.
The audit uncovered significant problems with the group’s internal financial and governance controls, raising concerns about its ability to manage funds and maintain accountability as it works to combat homelessness.
The audit identified two primary issues: a material weakness and a significant deficiency in the organization’s internal controls. The material weakness points to a serious flaw that could undermine ACEH’s ability to reliably track and report financial data. According to the findings, this deficiency increases the risk of failing to prevent or correct noncompliance with regulatory or operational requirements, potentially jeopardizing the nonprofit’s credibility and effectiveness.
In addition, the audit highlighted a significant deficiency, less severe than the material weakness but still notable, indicating another gap in financial or governance controls. While this issue is not considered as critical, auditors emphasized that it warranted immediate attention from ACEH’s management to ensure the organization can fulfill its mission without further complications.
These findings were first reported by ProPublica.
ACEH, which serves as the lead agency for the Anchorage Continuum of Care and collaborates with local “stakeholders” to implement the Anchored Home 2023-28 plan, has a goal of making homelessness “rare, brief, and one-time.” But in fact, homelessness has worsened during its existence.
Between 2019 and 2024, annual point-in-time surveys show an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness. The annual count recorded a 54% rise in Anchorage’s homeless population over five years. In January 2024, the year after the audit, Anchorage’s count identified over 1,700 people experiencing literal homelessness—living in shelters, transitional housing, or unsheltered—compared to a more stable range of around 1,800 to 2,000 statewide in the years prior to 2019.
ACEH receives funding from various sources, including the Municipality of Anchorage, the State of Alaska, and millions of dollars of federal taxpayer-funded grants.
“ACEH received 66% and 44% of its support and revenue from government support for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. A significant reduction in this support would have a substantial impact on ACEH,” the audit says.
Total government grant revenue for 2023 was $2,637,770.
The material weakness, in particular, could have far-reaching implications. Such deficiencies often signal a need for stronger oversight, improved financial tracking systems, or enhanced staff training. If unaddressed, it could hinder ACEH’s ability to secure future funding or maintain trust among donors and partners.
Among items deficient were accounts payable, property depreciation, and financial reporting. The items were scheduled to be resolved in 2024.
“During our testing of payroll transactions, we noted a substantial number of transactions which we were unable to verify pay rates or a personnel action form indicating approved coding, as required by the Organization’s policies and procedures. The finance department lacked the necessary supervisory capacity to determine and approve personnel information essential to determine the accuracy of payroll expenses. For each of the major programs listed above we attempted to test four payroll transactions and management was unable to provide supporting documentation of pay rates or personnel action forms for nearly all transactions tested,” the audit noted.
More alarming is that the head of the agency is a member of the Anchorage Assembly — Meg Zaletel, who is the Assembly’s vice chair. The Anchorage Assembly has awarded millions of dollars to Zaletel’s group over the past few years.
Dig into the audit at this link.
I am convinced the purpose of a non-profit is to grow its customer base. Meg should be applauded for increasing the homeless population. And who is the moron that wrote the contract between Meg and the City? A good contract would be based on results. And we know her friends in the hive did not write a contract based on results unless those results are more homeless. Alas, it matters nothing at all. Meg could run for mayor in April, and defeat any candidate on Earth who wasn’t a union pawn.
The ACEH is definitely a waste, fraud, and abuse organization. Federal funding should be on the DOGE chopping block. If you want fiscally responsible local government stop voting for incompetents, swindlers, and sometimes both.
Nice photo.
I cant imagine a nasty thought coming from such a warm caring individual.
There must be an explanation somewhere…?
Ethics complaints looming. Her days are numbered.
Follow the money.
Curious if the audit conclusions mentioned other damning conclusions such as:
… Misallocation of Funds: Funds used for purposes other than those intended or authorized.
… Unaccounted Expenditures: Missing documentation or evidence to support expenditures.
… Fraud or Embezzlement: Evidence of intentional misuse of public funds for personal gain.
… Overpayments or Underpayments: Payments made in excess or below the correct amount due to errors or weak controls.
… Unauthorized Transactions: Expenditures or financial activities conducted without proper approval.
… Violation of Statutory Requirements: Failure to adhere to laws governing financial management, procurement, or operations.
… Non-Compliance with Grant or Contract Terms: Not meeting conditions outlined in agreements for federal or state funding.
… Failure to Follow Internal Policies: Disregarding established organizational or governmental procedures.
… Weak Financial Oversight: Lack of effective systems to prevent errors, fraud, or waste.
… Poor Record-Keeping: Incomplete, inaccurate, or disorganized financial or operational records.
… Insufficient Segregation of Duties: One individual handling multiple aspects of a process, increasing the risk of errors or fraud.
… Inadequate Risk Management: Failure to identify or mitigate risks that could affect program or financial outcomes.
… Wasteful Spending: Resources used ineffectively, such as purchasing unnecessary goods or services.
… Program Underperformance: Programs failing to meet objectives or deliver expected outcomes.
… Delays in Implementation: Projects or initiatives not completed on time, leading to cost overruns or reduced impact.
… Duplication of Efforts: Overlapping programs or activities that could be consolidated for efficiency.
… Financial Misstatements: Errors or omissions in financial statements, whether intentional or unintentional.
… Inadequate Performance Reporting: Failure to accurately report program results or outcomes to stakeholders.
… Non-Submission of Required Reports: Missing deadlines or failing to provide mandatory documentation to oversight bodies.
… Non-Competitive Bidding: Contracts awarded without proper competition, violating procurement rules.
… Conflict of Interest: Contracts or purchases benefiting individuals with undisclosed personal interests.
… Poor Contract Management: Inadequate monitoring or enforcement of contract terms, leading to subpar performance or overbilling.
… Ghost Employees: Payments made to non-existent or ineligible employees.
… Time and Attendance Fraud: Employees paid for hours not worked or leave not earned.
… Improper Hiring Practices: Recruitment or promotions not following merit-based or legal guidelines.
… Inadequate Cybersecurity Measures: Systems vulnerable to hacking or data breaches due to outdated protections.
… Data Integrity Issues: Inaccurate or incomplete data affecting decision-making or reporting.
… Unauthorized Access: Lack of controls to prevent improper access to sensitive systems or information.
… Ineffective Program Design: Programs not structured to achieve intended goals.
… Lack of Measurable Outcomes: Inability to demonstrate program impact due to poor metrics or evaluation.
… Beneficiary Issues: Services not reaching the intended population or failing to address their needs.
… Non-Compliance with Environmental Regulations: Improper handling of hazardous materials or failure to meet environmental standards.
… Workplace Safety Issues: Unsafe conditions or practices that endanger employees or the public.
Howdy Rob. You could send your comment to Elon Musk as your resume to apply for a position at DOGE. Really Well Done. Thanks.
Maybe(?), there’s a better player suitable to clean-up the downtown mess, such as … Paul Kersey?
Great call Rob. A radical assembly has made a mess of anch especially downtown. I work downtown and get asked for $ everyday and have almost been in 3 fights in a month. Homeless sleeping in front of businesses with Crack pipe laying next to them. Democrats are as crooked as they come. She should be arrested imo. Highly doubt this will be posted since the adn is an actual rag of the radical corrupt democrat party. Who is actually for government waste fraud and abuse. Doge has exposed tip of iceberg
Yeah, I used to work downtown too … 7th & G St. Always a sketchy situation coming and going. Just trying to make an honest living but always under a threat of fiscal violence encounter. Downtown is a true … “Danger Zone.”
Another CORRUPT politician grifting taxpayer $’s.
Nothing to see here.
ProgComm – will not face any consequences or accountability for criminal acts.
If she was Trump supporter – she’d go to prison.
We don’t have a Justice system – we have a legal system – and it is two-tiered.
If Anchorage Coalition to Endorse Homelessness can’t keep the books straight, can you imagine what the Marxist Assembly is doing with taxpayers money? They sprinkle it all over the Liberal wishlists for the annual votes.
Exactly. Stacy Abrams and her cronies got 2 billion this yr after $100 last yr aka Biden. Democrat slush fund. Should be criminal. Imo it 100% is. Stay positive and conservative penny. We have to rid assembly and sb from evil
More alarming is that the head of the agency is a member of the Anchorage Assembly — Meg Zaletel, who is the Assembly’s vice chair. The Anchorage Assembly has awarded millions of dollars to Zaletel’s group over the past few years. QUOTE from the article.
MILLIONS…………
Non-Profit = Non-Government Organization (NGO) = Widespread corruption. Why would anyone be surprised at what’s going on here?
The more taxpayer money the Assembly throws at “homelessness”, they more homeless there are in Anchorage.
This really isn’t complicated….
All NGO non=profits are just money laundering schemes.
Please, everyone, stop calling them “ homeless”. They are Vagrants. Mentally ill, drunks, dope fiends and bums. Yes, they need help, that help should come as responsible adult supervision. Anything less is nothing more than enabling their self destructive behavior. And you, Meg. Get a job.
I’m homeless an work 2 jobs. I can’t afford the high rent . So I sleep outside. Will be glad to go to any church with you. Yes there is broken people in the world. There is hope for all. It is sad people don’t care more for folks with addictions. Yes folks have to want to do better before you can help them. Have a blessed day. P.S. It’s cold out tonight. 🙏
God bless you.
Has Meg’s organization helped you better your situation at all?
Meg’s organization is not about actually helping the homeless. They are about grifting money from the taxpayers under the guise of doing good.
I would bet every dollar in my wallet that if the government funds were cut off, there would not be a single person currently working at the Anchorage Coalition to Expand Homelessness that would continue to work for the homeless. Not one.
I’m sorry it has come to this for you! When I was much younger and single, it was hard to find a place that I could afford. I’m sure you would have a better chance if it wasn’t for deposit, first and last months rent, utilities, but what I did was get a roommate someone that was pretty much in the same financial situation as me. It wasn’t easy but until I got on my feet, this is what I had to do. I wish you all the best and pray that your situation improves.
Are you on Alaska housing list?
Nathan:
You owe me a new BS meter. Your claim of working two jobs and not being able to afford a place broke mine.
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I just checked Craigslist. There are several places for less than $800/mo, and a lot of them for less than $1000/mo. If you are actually working two jobs and cannot afford to get off the street, they must be very low pay, very low hour jobs.
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If you were working 40 hours a week at $10 an hour, you would be able to afford to get off the streets. So.. what is the real deal here, Nathan? If you are working two jobs, and they are low hours at each, get a 3rd. If you are working two jobs, and they are low pay, start applying at places that pay more.
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No… there is some other reason you are sleeping outside.
Here, here!
Zero Tolerance for trespassing, vagrancy, loitering, littering, public intoxication, shoplifting, panhandling, public urination and excrementation – problem solved.
Zero Tolerance for breaking laws already on the books.
What are the odds???
A “non-profit” run by a leftist is playing fast and loose with money. You could knock me over with a sledgehammer.
I’m Shocked! Shocked to hear there may be irregularities… Right!
ACEH is USAID in Anchorage. Money laundering at it’s core. The goal of these useless jerks is to maintain a revenue stream, not to end homelessness.
Comment is spot on. The Coalition is part of the “self-licking-ice-cream-cone” of Leftists NGOs.
And with all the bonds and tax levies that continue to get voted in, year after year, expect more people in Los Anchorage to be added to the homeless list of clients when people on the verge of insolvency find themselves unable to afford their homes anymore.
Makes sense. Liberals drunk with power spend money like drunk sailors, pretty much standard operating procedure.
Hooray for the homeless, I guess….
Shouldn’t this include several on the Assembly in this clique who assisted her in many of the same crimes. It’s about time to “clean house”..She isn’t the only one involved in this mess. I am glad to see that the mess from that past has finally been exposed. Now is the time to “clean up the mess”.
No more money until the material weakness and significant deficiency have been remedied, reported and completely cleared by their auditors and the Muni’s auditor. No more money until this has been investigated by a non-Muni law enforcement organization. No more money until Zalatel is no longer in charge of this organization. This kind of sloppiness and conflict of interest would never be allowed under a Republican Assembly and NGO head. Why is it okay under a (D)emocrat administration? Where is the community cry for action and justice. No leftist pitchforks, torches, red shirts or pre-printed signs required.
I hadn’t been to Anchorage in quite some time about seven years. From not seeing the homeless but in areas near the downtown area to all the sudden seeing homeless tents everywhere is quite a shock.And why did taxpayers allow this? I came here during the pipeline and stayed but most of the time I stayed in rural areas away from big cities in Alaska.
As someone who does Financial Audits. I can tell you that if the ACEH was a licensed business falling under a regulatory framework, it would certainly be facing some sort of enforcement action or civil penalties for its lack of internal controls. I do believe that non-profits should have some regulatory framework to avoid such things.
You should have attended assembly meetings for 2 years like me and you would really be sick. Never in my life in politics have I ever seen such corruption. They didn’t even try to hide it. The Covid funds were a joke and yes non-profits are doing little but collecting millions. They even refuse to work together! DOGE needs to take a look at the local ones here!!
But after the recent elections Jo one seems to care.
I think they’ve wasted $160 million dollars . More homeless and no accountability . The bigger the city government , the bigger the homeless population . Here’s the evidence
Surprise, surprise.
Has anybody signed an ethics statement promising to show results? Most professional/licensed do-gooders are required to promise that they aren’t pissing other people’s money away, and the programs and methods they use are producing results. Ethics schmethics, our cause is righteous (and profitable)!
She describes herself as an ” attorney, social service, and legal advocate. So one may reasonably assume that dogooderism has provided billable hours as well as a significant salary?
Why isn’t the mayor calling for an investigation?
Duh!!!! Why do you think the phone doesn’t ring? That’s a sarcastic remark for the current mayor.
Pro Publica ? You’re quoting a George Soros funded publication ? I thought they were trash, that’s what you’ve been preaching, like, forever.
OH what a surprise!
Downtown anch is not safe. Homelessness bums and mentally ill everyehere..it should help tourism.lol. Add on it smells like dope everywhere and needles everyday. Democrats slush fund aka usaid.
Anchorage, which was a totally cool place to grow up in the 1970’s, with great parks, cool bike trails, pretty darned good public schools, a great library downtown, low taxes and safe places for everyone, is now a sewer of addicts, bums, and trash. Thanks, Californicators. You have trashed the city of my youth.
Yes, I lived in Kodiak in the 70’s and moved to Anchorage in 1980. I saw how laws from CA, and WA seemed to always trickle up here. Remember the saying, We Don’t Care How They Do It On The Outside!
Why I’m Shocked I Tell You…SHOCKED!!
As expected.
You could see this coming years ago. Corruption by grifters for profit.
In the end they will fall on their own sword. I just wish the end would come faster. Meg you are a pig.
Oink 🐷, oink.
1700 homeless in Anchorage. 2000 homeless state-wide, including Anchorage. Make homelessness and vagrancy a career option, and they come running to you.
My question is why hasn’t there been an audit of more wasteful and blant inefficient programs? Targeting? Overreach and misguided audits to turn heads one way while the real issues are still at hand.just a thought
Sounds like Ms. Zalatel and the Assembly could be the subjects of a federal RICO investigation. Let’s hope. Senator Sullivan, let’s get this done, for the people.
Homeless is a dynamic problem. Maybe we are seeing the effects of bad parenting from the 60s and 70s. all these kids with no discipline.
Is also the fact that we have not designed high density cheap housing for people. Not all people that are homeless are bums, drug addicts, or lazy.
One of the biggest problems is affordable housing. We really do not have the answer on this problem. We need to get some smart people working on this:
1. Just throwing vouchers out there for rent all that does is displace people who can no longer afford rent because all the cheaper apartments have been taken up.
2. Some people have drug or mental heath problems there is no help for these people and if there is help there is not enough.
3. Availability of drugs there is more meth in some of these homes for homeless then there is out in the street. This is a drug enforcement problem and it has been a failure.
4. What is needed is high density housing like the housing on Fireweed that catholic social services runs. You could have more of these places have strict rules for drug and alcohol use and rent a bunk for 4 to five hundred dollars a month.
If you need to learn more I suggest staying in a homeless shelter for awhile.
Might be fun to drop a dime to the IRS about The Meg’s accounting challenges, maybe get ACEH’s tax exemption(s) revoked and liabilitity imposed for back taxes?
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Seems easy enough to do, have a look at https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/irs-complaint-process-tax-exempt-organizations.
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Maybe Alaska’s DOGE will reconcile physical address(es) of The Meg’s homeless housing with voter rolls and voter-registration records, see –real-time– who and how many live in each place, who’s having votes mailed in for them, how many votes come out of each place, who are illegal aliens, who’s fraudulently collecting Social Security and Medicaid benefits at these addresses, who’s had identities stolen and how often?
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Really hard to believe in this age of sophisticated accounting and management practices that hardworking ACEH folks just couldn’t seem to get their numbers right
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… while their boss, The Meg, co-chairs the Budget & Finance Committee-of-the-Whole who: “deliberates and makes recommendations on matters relating to the financial management and policies of the Municipality and its agents. These matters include the annual operating budgets of the general government, including the alcohol and marijuana tax revenues, the utilities and enterprises, and the Anchorage School District.”!
(https://www.muni.org/Departments/Assembly/Pages/Committees%20and%20Liaisons.aspx#budget)
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You can’t make this stuff up.
A lot of the homeless are villagers . They come to Anchorage to live off land closer to cheap cigarettes and booze . You could lower the homeless count by a third by sending them home . Pretty simple , or you create can administrative agency with in the city govt for employees to not fix the problem . Both theft and wrought with fraud . Maybe just one way ticket to Hawaii or Seattle . Save a lot of money and headaches .
All of this is by design, I’m convinced.
It’s not waste; it’s theft and fraud.
Anchorage used to be such a nice place. I don’t live there anymore because of the danger I experienced and the threats that I experienced with a homeless person coming at me with a hammer in downtown on 3rd and C Street. Enough’s enough. Hope they assembly the mayor and her friends can figure it out and quit pilfering the money. Also the reason why housing is so expensive just look at your property tax bill. I am a landlord and I have to accommodate for all the new items that were voted in on the election last week! Unfortunately I will have to pass that cost on to my tenant.
God Himself tells you, “you will always have the poor”, how do the Democrats believe they can fight God?
Anchorage was truly a great little city in the 1970’s. Soon thereafter, California values seeped into its governance and chaos, corruption, trash and homelessness followed like flies to carrion. We hope the somnolent voters wake up soon. 😔
Agree. It WAS a cool place back then. I guess legal weed plus free money didn’t work out so well. And the comment about dropping a dime on IRS was correct- these poverty pimps seem to do really well on the public tit.
Agreed….
Ship the homeless to Juneau
So true….
Where did all the money go? $$$$
Alcohol tax i the past year earned over $14million dollars. Over 40% went to homeless expenditures. That is not what the tax was mean for.
Another question? Should Mayor La France have the budget to pay her Press Secretary a $110,000 salary?
With the audit demanding remediation, she quits. And no word of the poor audit results were mentioned in her resignation press release: ‘https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2025/04/14/meg-zaletel-to-leave-job-heading-anchorages-largest-homelessness-organization/.
I drove both directions on “Meg Zaletel Memorial Homeless Litter Throughway” (former Minnesota Drive) today.
Homeless camps have arisen again in places where previous abatements have occurred. Other camps are now approaching 3 to 4 weeks along this route – no abatement in sight. Always a pile of litter seems to be left after abatement efforts anyway, then a replacement camp moves in.
What a circle jerk.
I suspect MZ will pop up again in the new 10,000 houses in 10 year debacle Mayor Suzanne is proposing – lots of money going to be thrown at it – at taxpayer expense, with no accountability. MZ clearly has demonstrated meeting the MQs for this new circus.