Homelessness is a big problem in our community; but there are groups who are helping to turn those numbers around. CBS 11 News found a place that helps homeless men get back on their feet.

It is a program run by Lutheran Social Services. It's really very different than the big shelters we sometimes think of. It's called the Transitional Living Program. It is meant for men who are serious about turning their lives around.

The Transitional Living Program is really just a house in an Anchorage neighborhood divided into three small apartments. It accepts just six men at a time into a program designed to help break the cycle of homelessness.

"We're trying to help people get off the street, become self-sufficient, independent people. That's what we're all about," said Transitional Living Manager Paul Delory.

Resident manager Delory helps interview the men who come to the program and brief them on the rules—most importantly they have to find a job.

"Within their first 30 days of entering the program, they have to get a full 40-hour a week job, save 30 percent of their money into a trust account. So at the end of their stay here, they have money to get their own apartment," said Delory.

The men are encouraged to become more independent, especially since they don't need to worry about a place to live.

"You try to give them as much information as you can. Right when they first move in here, they are hungry. Although, they do have the ability to go to Beans Cafe, which is about a 20 minute walk from here," said Delory.

They're required to get their own food, keep their apartments clean and practice general life skills. For some that's a challenge, but not for all.

"Legally, I was homeless for a couple of days until i found this. But no..this was never in my vision," said resident, John Dahlen.

Dahlen worked as a professional in the mental health field for many years until a financial collapse led him here. Now he's grateful for the chance to get his life back together.

"It gives me not just a roof over my head, but a comfortable one at that. And it gives me a chance for breathing room, both financial and emotional, to recover from my fall and to pick myself up and start rebuilding again," said Dahlen.

Delory says that is exactly what the program is for. And while not all succeed, they do get the time to try. Participants can stay at the transitional living home for up to four months.

There are a number of criteria that men must meet before being accepted into the program, including being drug and alcohol free for at least 90 days and submitting to a background check to make sure they have no serious offenses.

To contact Lauren, call 907-273-3186.