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Pilot Program Houses 17 Chronically Homeless AlaskansIt's called the Rapid Housing Project. Based on the "Housing First" model, the approach believes people need a place to live before other issues can be addressed.Related Content
For many homeless people, the Brother Francis Shelter is a revolving door. But a new program is getting some of the most frequent visitors out of the shelter and into places of their own.
The program called “Rapid Housing” is based on a model called “Housing First.” It’s an approach that says people can’t be successful in tackling their issues until they have secure housing. In Anchorage, a state/city grant is funding that approach with several people from the Brother Francis Shelter-William Vandervoort, 46, is one of them. Vandervoort lived on the streets of Anchorage and at the Brother Francis Shelter for the last eight years. Today he has an apartment in Government Hill. For the next two years the program will pay almost all of Vandervoort’s expenses, rent, utilities, and even groceries. He says that help is giving him the time he needs to think about what he would like his future to be like. “When I was on the street I didn’t think I had too many options, too many positive directions,” says Vandervoort. “But when you get into a situation like I’m in, you get a chance to be shaved and showered. When you get a chance to relax and focus on things, you can think.” Vandervoort says he still struggles with alcohol but is starting to think he might be willing to get treatment. He has other health issues and for the first time is making an effort to see a doctor about them. His caseworker from the Brother Francis Shelter plays an important role. He visits several times a week making sure that Vandervoort gets to his appointments and is mindful about the choices he is making. At this point, Vandervoort isn’t sure exactly what his future will hold but says having a roof over his head is giving him the freedom to think about more than surviving life on the streets. |
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the laugher 101 said on Thursday, Sep 15 at 6:40 PM
add this makes sense. all the other commentators on here are just SELFISH and have a closed heart to all mankind. Only love and care for those who can do for themselves. No compassion, cold hearted people. Coming on to sites like these to complain. Go and complain to the people who actually have a kind heart that are helping these people. One thing we don't need are 'rich' folks who don't have a clue as to why people are homeless. Parents should really teach their children better. If you want a better place with no alcoholics, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT instead of ranting on pages like this about THOSE PEOPLE and THEIR CHOICES. Get a pair of balls on you instead of hiding behind screen names and harsh words.
73894152Oderus Urungus said on Thursday, Sep 15 at 2:11 PM
Yeah;just what we all need..Red Nose Inns.
7388363824char said on Thursday, Sep 15 at 4:50 AM
I think a lot of the people are getting tired of these feel good stories that do nothing but say it is all right for these people to NOT work. Why should any of us. I can't get any assistance with chronic health problems because I am not a drunk. I have been told that if I was a drunk I could get assistance, how sad, and wrong, is that? Two years to "think" about what he wants to do, how nice.
73850592What a waste said on Wednesday, Sep 14 at 11:26 PM
"He says that help is giving him the time he needs to think about what he would like his future to be like" Our tax money is giving him time to think! Think about looking for a job! Man, this guy gets a free ride for a few years and he is sitting back and thinking about what he want to do? Oh, and he still struggles with alcohol, no kidding. Now he has a nice warm place to be a drunk. How is he paying for that? I see his priorities are strait. Good grief.
73844082state/city grant funding said on Wednesday, Sep 14 at 10:09 PM
In the midst of budget shortfalls, soaring deficits, service cuts and calls for tax increases, Liberal loons plan to spend money on comfortable 'drunk dorms' as a homeless cure? If generous, liberal and wildly expensive public policies actually worked to "cure" homelessness, then why do the most homeless-friendly cities (San Francisco comes instantly to mind) continue to boast the largest – and constantly expanding – populations of chronic vagrants?
73842889AddThis said on Wednesday, Sep 14 at 8:57 PM
Had an idea to buy empty office buildings and make it a homeless project..Transit Transitions was the name. Passed it on to some in college. When you have office building you can set the floors to specialize in the clientel.Use lower floors for maintenance, laundry and cafeteria. Have daily programs to educate, employment, and volunteer. That takes up most of the day. Take dinner to connect and talk about the day. After dinner a group therapy session may be. Recreation room and memberships to health clubs to increase personal powers and abstaing too. Try it...Pass it On...Power to the Peoples.
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