Can we really end homelessness?

The ACH recognizes that communities have been dealing with homelessness for decades. Individuals and families have life experiences that are out of the community’s control that may place them in a homeless situation. ACH’s vision is by the year 2015, people who are homeless will be connected with a way to secure safe and affordable housing within three months of being identified by any provider of homeless services. We can drastically reduce the impact of homelessness in our community if the community comes together to address the issue.  Then we may have the chance of ending it.

Will this plan get panhandlers off Anchorage’s streets?

The plan addresses panhandler issue in two specific ways; (1) supporting housing first model, and (2) public social marketing/education campaign. The 10-year plan supports a housing first model that focuses on chronically homeless, who typically are the individuals who are panhandling. The second way the plan addresses panhandling is by implementing a public social marketing/education campaign. The campaign is designed to discourage people from giving to panhandlers and to instead support long-term solutions that directly help/serve homeless people. www.changeforthebetter.com

How does the plan support self-reliance?

ACH recognizes that there needs to be a blend between supporting individuals/families that are homeless and self-reliance/stability. This blend is determined case-by-case and by each program. ACH requires individuals who can hold a job if they are able to work or access mainstream support services.

Will homeless person who are illegally in the country be provided services under this plan?

Implementation of the plan will be in accordance with federal immigration laws. It is important to note, however, that the majority of homeless people are not illegal immigrants.

How does the plan address the issue when a homeless person does not want services or refuse to participate in them?

The plan supports a holistic approach which includes meeting the individual where s/he is at.  Most individuals do not want to live on the streets.  However, some choice the street because the idea of living anywhere else is foreign to them. With time and support, most of these individuals will move away from a life on the streets.

Will housing units for the homeless put neighborhoods at risk and drive down property values?

The goal is to develop housing units that are support mixed-use/community integration. From experience in our and other communities throughout the U.S., developing facilities for people who were formerly homeless has not hurt property values. These facilities have added overall community value.

What can I do to be more involved?

• Get Involved
• Please do NOT give to panhandlers and advise your friends against giving. Give instead to solutions that will have a lasting impact on the lives of homeless people.
• Encourage groups and organizations where you are a member to get involved.
• Consider helping a person permanently exit the streets by offering a job.