Anchorage sees record number of referrals for basic needs in 2016. The number of Anchorage residents calling Alaska 2-1-1 seeking assistance increased in 2016 according to newly released call data by Alaska 2-1-1. Referrals related to basic needs support – food, housing and shelter, rent and utility assistance – comprised 53% of the 34,371 referrals made in Anchorage, up from 48% the previous year, making it the top need. Read the full report here.