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Business Owners Want to Address Homeless IssueFairview Business Association addresses Chamber of Commerce on chronic inebriatesRelated Content
ANCHORAGE - Owners of downtown businesses say the incidents of vandalism and harassment by homeless inebriates are on the rise... and they need help to stop them. According to a city study on homelessness conducted in Anchorage shelters this past January, about 300 chronic inebriates were identified as homeless. That population is being blamed by a group of Fairview businesses for an escalating number of disturbances that are scaring customers and employees away from small businesses in the neighborhood. But Paul Fuhs, the executive director of the Fairview Business Association, said it’s a problem for businesses in neighborhoods all over the city. In a presentation to the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Fuhs said the homelessness issue hurts the entire city, affecting local businesses, emergency services, health care, and tourism. He was calling on local businesses to coordinate their efforts—and their advocacy—to create a real solution. Among the solutions highlighted by Fuhs in his presentation: disrupting "congregation points" where inebriates gather; expanding housing-first options; reforming liquor store practices to limit the availability of certain spirits; increasing police enforcement; and defining “standards of acceptable behavior” to deal with violence. Fuhs concluded his presentation by saying he’s working on the issue not only in the Anchorage chamber, but also bringing it to community councils, the mayor’s office, and the Anchorage Assembly. He also indicated that the city's tax revenue from alcohol sales could be a potential source of funding. He also said he’ll look to the governor, and the legislature, for support. |
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Eustace Kakolantern said on Tuesday, Dec 18 at 3:45 PM
Fence off the Fairview area.Don`t let em out.
109525295mother of inebriates said on Tuesday, Dec 18 at 1:18 PM
It is too bad the state legislatives can't enforce laws that any business that sells alcohol cant support the state with funding to house them, recover them and much more. I feel that this intoxicant has something added to make them so addictive to make them so addicted to it. Remember coca cola... maybe its time that the product itself should be researched as to why its so addictive. the FDA should step in and check it out. I have not seen my children so different in the past recent years. I pray alcohol is banned from Alaska as so illegal drugs.
109513921put your money where your mouth is then said on Tuesday, Dec 18 at 11:06 AM
business needs to convert empty business buildings to apts and house the homeless...basement is the kitchen, cafeteria and laundry facilities...the first floor is offices of agencies to assist...the second floor is singles, then families, and elders. There are many programs that come to their apartment to assist them to make progress...so stop whining and put your money where your mouth is...if your going to complain about a problem...might want to have a solution to it as well...or sit down and shut up...
109502201Ron Smith said on Tuesday, Dec 18 at 5:20 AM
Key West is much further then Calif!
109469266Anonymous said on Tuesday, Dec 18 at 12:57 AM
The liquor stores KNOW who most of these people are! Crack down on the sale of booze to them, and help eliminate the behavior. As an example, Fred Meyer on Muldoon Rd has homeless people begging at the East entrance, and then they go in and buy alcohol, drink it in the bathroom, and head right back to the intersection again. I sat in the coffee shop and watched it happpen, reported it to the store manager, and was told 'we can't do anything if he isn't causing a disturbance in the store'. There is a solution, but nobody wants to be the bad guy and/or lose out on the profits from the booze.
109459846Angelia Stanley said on Monday, Dec 17 at 10:43 PM
A state lottery for the homeless would help.
109455995Duwayne LeDoux said on Monday, Dec 17 at 9:20 PM
heythe state collects taxes on alcohol spend every dam dime ya take in for a solution without violating peoples rights if you want to collect money on alcohol then dont fricken complan about the problems
109452931TedtheBear said on Monday, Dec 17 at 9:16 PM
First thing you can do is get the liquor stores to stop selling liquor to the homeless.
109452821only solution said on Monday, Dec 17 at 8:49 PM
give them an all you can drink flight to a warmer state say Cali..............
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