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Anchorage Sees Dismal Upswing in Social Service NeedsTough economy means food pantries and rent assistance are in higher demandCall it a sign of tough economic times, but social service providers say more people than ever are struggling to make ends meet in Anchorage. More people are going to food banks and looking for assistance so they don’t end up on the streets. Viola Murphy is one of them. Murphy is grateful for her subsidized apartment, thankful to have a roof over her head after almost two years of homelessness. She works as a school crossing guard, a job she held even when she was on the streets. The money she earns helps pay her bills, but just barely. “I go to the food pantries twice a week, I am so grateful for the food pantries,” says Murphy. Murphy is not alone. Social service workers say the lines are growing of people in need, mostly the working poor. “Last week we saw 130 people,” says Lutheran Social Services Director Alan Budhal. “People waited According to providers, food is an extremely important part of the equation for people who are struggling. If they can get food free at pantries they can save their precious dollars for other things, like rent. United Way says it’s no wonder people are falling behind and looking for resources to keep the housing they have.
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Don said on Thursday, Oct 18 at 7:12 PM
Didnt you just try and lie saying Obama had nothing to do with our economy, now you are saying our tough economic times. If McCain and Palin were elected, we would be having a gas pipeline to Canada, more drilling, more Alaskan jobs, make up your lamestream mind
104342846Erik said on Thursday, Aug 30 at 1:32 PM
Cry me a river, "Old Timer." You guys find everything to complain about. Pay your taxes and be lucky they're not higher.
100526545alaskan said on Thursday, Aug 30 at 10:57 AM
What is Alaska receiving other than population growth I remember the rise of TB I wonder what others diseases we've received or are going to yet receive
100513535Old Timer said on Tuesday, Aug 28 at 9:04 AM
The Federal Gov't has gotten out of control. If you own a small business it seems that they are trying to put you OUT of business. I own a small business but not for much longer as they are burying me under paperwork that is not really needed and I don't have the time to sit around and try to fill out form after from to keep them employed. I expect to lose my business due to "red tape" before the end of this year. I will become just another welfare loser, seems to be much easier to collect food stamps then to try to make a living. Used to be that you could start a business and make a living but why even try anymore. I don't have time to fill out form after form about nothing and still try to actually work at my job, so be it. Will be joining you on the street soon, isn't life great under Obama.
100124116Homeless Native Veteran said on Tuesday, Aug 28 at 1:21 AM
oO{ Two years? Ive been on the waiting list 8 years... Finally got the voucher that I cant afford to use with a part time job, let alone security deposit and first months rent. I may lose the use of my voucher because it expires in a few days and I still cant afford to use it... }
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