Wednesday, June 19, 2013
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Homeless Shelter Already Approaching Maximum CapacityPolice are forcing more people out of homeless camps and the economy is pushing others over the edge. Meanwhile, safety is becoming a bigger issue.Related Content
We may not like to think about it, but winter is right around the corner and that can present a deadly problem for Anchorage’s homeless.
Officials are looking for ways to keep people safe and one of them is to make sure they have shelter. But in these last days of August, the shelter is already close to capacity. “We are running 235 to 238 people a night,” says Brother Francis Shelter manager Dewayne Harris. “We are just one cold snap away from getting additional people who may be camping in more isolated areas who will come in and push us over capacity.” And there is every reason to think that will happen soon. Police are forcing more people out of homeless camps and the economy is pushing others over the edge. Meanwhile, safety is becoming a bigger issue. Barbara Westcost is a homeless woman who says she is angry about the new city policy to clean out homeless camps. She says some campers find themselves without even a blanket to stay warm. “Next thing you know they don’t have nothing,” says Westcost. “They don’t have no blankets or nothing. They walk around cold and winter’s coming. They are going to get hypothermia and then the people are freezing and dying.” Toney Casillas is a homeless man who says he almost died himself last winter on an Anchorage sidewalk. He was picked up and taken to the hospital where he stayed for the better part of a week. He says the thing that would keep him safe is pretty simple— to quit drinking. As for the Brother Francis Shelter they plan to take in as many people as they can, then send the overflow to Bean’s Café. After that, they say they may ask the city to come up with a better solution. |
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Marian said on Thursday, Sep 1 at 1:09 PM
There needs to be accountability. It wouldn't be he said she said if there were security cameras, sruveillance cameras, DVR recorders, security personnel. People to oversee places for the homeless not only to make the people who stay there accountable but the WORKERS as well.
73254662Marian said on Thursday, Sep 1 at 1:00 PM
It's hard when you are having hard times and need to rely on services from agencies or organizations. I was grateful to have a place to stay but if you are already having issues in Anchorage ranging from assault on you at Dimond Center, verbal comments in public, and end up having issues at places it makes you wonder about everybody elses stories and why they are in the position of homelessness. Just because you have mental health issues it isn't okay for people to take advantage of you and your situation. Make sure you track everything from school, your phone contacts, meetings, and ASD Child in Transition, especially if you have a minor child. It is most frustrating because most of your time is spent talking on the phone, reporting to a case manager, talking to teachers, filling out forms, abiding by rules, waiting for AHFC housing and I was on the list for over 6 years. It is competitive for housing.I don't want to say people intentionally messed with my application but it happens
73254208Marian said on Thursday, Sep 1 at 12:55 PM
Whatever you do don't go to Safe Harbor Inn.Places with "Safe" in their name or "CARE" that actually advertise it are not really safe or care.My son and I slept in our vehicle in winter and hotels several occasions because of issues at the household we were staying at.I believed CITC "Cook Inlet Tribal Council" when they referred us to "Safe Harbor Inn".My son and I were sexually assaulted anally at this place and workers used a MASTER KEY to gain access to our room while we were sleeping.It is not private nor Safe.APD or AK Cares doesn't do anything.If you have any type of mental health history(like me from a previous sexual assault rape from 7th grade and diagnosis of PTSD or other mis diagnosis ranging from bi polor to depression and we had a lot of issues after my brother Douglas went missing here in Anchorage Alaska.The police APD said I was talking about things that were not real.My mother confirmed in a court affidavit that my genitals are disfigured.It wasn't like that before.
73253991compuuuter said on Wednesday, Aug 31 at 10:59 PM
there was an older brother who lived the same way and survived to the age of 63, he died in 2009. i never knew him with fingers- (i never asked, but) he told me he froze them off years ago and had family and friends who helped him.
73221041compuuuter said on Wednesday, Aug 31 at 10:54 PM
oops, non-toxic, and same
73221016compuuuter said on Wednesday, Aug 31 at 10:53 PM
i know "barbara" and her brother "wilbur" for several years... they are "almost-seniors" (close to 60y/o this is the age for a senior bus pass). it's very sad, after years of (mostly preventable)emergencies, it's like they're in their 70's. it's hard to find them on-toxic as they're both regular csp patients, but if you do, they are 2 poor-folks who you don't have to be scared to be in the isame mcdonalds with. toney c is definitely "extra patience required"...
73221012Tired of it said on Wednesday, Aug 31 at 7:38 PM
I watched them on the news last night, all sitting around waiting to be told how they will get something for nothing. They want the citizens of Anchorage and Alaska to give them food, clothing and a warm place to stay. What are they willing to give in return?
73216679Anita Tudtud said on Wednesday, Aug 31 at 6:57 PM
why cant they build a storage unit they are reasonable to build and warm too .They can put bunks in them and even set them up for a family. Put a bathroom in and shower area and a place to cook they could lock there unit for the day. Not that people should be stored but its better than freezing to death.
73215054Justsaying said on Wednesday, Aug 31 at 4:24 PM
How about providing accomodations for the temporarily homeless and help them get a job? The ones who choose to be homeless rather than work and follow the rules need to fend for themselves. I'm sorry, but I work for a living, I don't drink for a living. I have always been very sympathetic, but my sympathy is waning in the wake of this epidemic. I still have lots of sympathy for the ones who are there because they lost their job, but none for those who choose the lifestyle. They made the choice and continue to make it every day that they don't take advantage of the services offered to them to clean up their lives.
73208551Christophrt said on Wednesday, Aug 31 at 11:37 AM
Get a job dammit.
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