Why blame aid organizations?
A recent Compass unfairly blames homelessness on the very organizations feeding and sheltering our neighbors and transitioning them back to independence. The author recommends closing Brother Francis Shelter and housing the homeless on an isolated island far from our view and key transitional services. Most BFS guests find themselves homeless after a temporary financial setback. When they arrive, they lack the support systems that get many of us through life’s challenges. Their immediate needs are met with a meal and shelter from the street. Each individual is treated with dignity and encouraged to be self-sufficient. Soon they are surrounded by a network of support, including health services, job placement and housing referral. Through specialized case management, BFS guests access the many resources offered in our city and many make their way back to a productive, independent life. Homelessness is an unfortunate reality in Anchorage and a difficult economy makes more of our neighbors
