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Outdoor Deaths Decline in AnchorageShelters are more crowdedANCHORAGE - Fewer people are dying outside, and as a result shelters across the city are becoming more crowded. But Bomalaski says, this is good news. “When people are in the shelter at least we have an opportunity to engage them in services, they can come in, they can have a meal, they can use the laundry can take a shower and maybe by being there they form a relationship with somebody there,” she said. The reason for the decline? Police credit their crackdown on homeless camps... and Karluk Manor, which opened less than a year ago. According to APD, so far this year one person has died, compared to six people last year. In 2010, there were 12 deaths. The year before that was the highest – with 15 deaths in 2009. “It’s a very significant number; every person that we can reduce their death and dying and give them stable housing is wonderful asset, and it saves our community a great deal of money,” said Melinda Freemon, with RurAL CAP, which runs the Karluk Manor. She says deaths are inevitable. “It does happen, but again having it happen in a respectful environment where they feel cared for, is much better than having it happen outside,” said Bomalaski. Social workers say this is one step toward getting everyone off the streets. |
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Cheryl said on Sunday, Aug 26 at 10:28 AM
William, your comment suggests you would have been happier if they had died on the streets where they could have remained nameless, faceless, overlooked and ignored. Perhaps then you would have been able to continue pretending 'people like them': a) don't exist, b) don't deserve respect, dignity or care, c) have no place in your world, or d) all of the above. May you never be judged and begrudged in a similar fashion, Sir; and may you never find yourself in a situation similar to theirs, equipped with the same level of coping skills they had. You might find yourself wishing for a warm, dry place to sleep...or die.
99971355Fairview Resident said on Saturday, Aug 25 at 10:30 PM
I'm glad there is a Karluk Manor. We need to be more kindly towards our fellow human beings. You can't turn on the news without hearing of blood shed, wars, hate. I can't cure all the bad things. But I can do small deeds for my community and help just a little. I recently donated some new personal care items to Karluk Manor and a bag of used but cleaned and paired socks. That won't make all the troubles in the world go away but I hope it helps a little.
99943095Jerry said on Saturday, Aug 25 at 5:01 PM
@ William: The Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. (RurAL CAP), founded in 1965, is a private, statewide, nonprofit organization working to improve the quality of life for low-income Alaskans. At least if your going to be a hater, hate with correct facts.
99931166William Carver said on Saturday, Aug 25 at 4:46 PM
Yes your right now they are dying in a hotel that is paid for by working people of the community.
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