Partnership ensures the most vulnerable people are sheltered

In the first week after Anchorage’s early, record-breaking October snowfall, 200 beds of emergency shelter were filled.

This is notable for the quick, safe sheltering of so many, but equally notable for the collaboration that led to prioritizing and moving first those most vulnerable to dangerous weather, those in wheelchairs, with disabilities, or facing poor health.

This approach is a vast improvement over the "first come first serve" approach to winter shelter offered in years past and took active coordination among the shelter providers and oversight (Henning Inc., Catholic Social Services and Restorative Re-Entry Services). For the first time, our community agreed to use our Coordinated Entry system that prioritizes people for housing to also prioritize those in need of shelter. 

The Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness coordinated street outreach with partners — and the Municipality of Anchorage. Successfully and quickly moving vulnerable people from cold snowy conditions outside into warm and safe spaces is the first step for these neighbors on their assisted journey to stable housing.

Under the cold weather shelter contract with Henning Inc. for 200 beds, services will include case management and peer support to transition individuals to housing as well as safety patrols. These life-saving rooms are spread across three locations: Alex Hotel, Merrill Field Inn and Henning House (the former Henry House). The LaFrance administration is negotiating with a second service provider for an additional 200 non-congregate beds during this winter season.

Let’s all continue the momentum — and collaboration — to help our neighbors stay warm and safe.