History
A local pastor, who first witnessed the appalling treatment of prostitutes during his military service in WWII, later worked in Honolulu to establish a program to serve women desiring to leave prostitution. When he moved to Eagle River, AK, several members of his congregation heard of his ministry and began researching the issue in Anchorage.

They inquired with local social service agencies and law enforcement officers. The overwhelming response persuaded them that there was a need for such a ministry in Anchorage. In 1996, approximately 20 professionals and community members organized their efforts to create a program, and in October of that year, the Mary Magdalene Home Alaska (MMHA) was incorporated.

Later that fall, an inmate at the local correctional facility contacted MMHA requesting support for her and other women currently incarcerated. Once released, they did not want to return to street life. Thus, MMHA’s first outreach program began as a facilitated support group for incarcerated women. In 1998, a case manager was contracted to work with women as they were released from prison or referred from other agencies. Since 1998, MMHA has served over 150 women through the case management program.