Posted: Jul 10, 08 8:01am

Although I am not an employee of any of the numerous organizations, and agencies that exist to provide help to the many people who simply exist, rather than live, I have managed to do something. All that is, is to listen, and share my knowledge of various community resources available to those who are financially disadvantaged. This started 6 years ago when I was a client at the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission. In the time since then, I have volunteered with many different agencies. And I especially like just being around street people, at places like, the downtown soup kitchen, the Rescue Mission, and the church I attend. Here on Aug. 1, there will be an all day gathering called project homeless connect. Several agencies from around town will be interacting to meet people who are looking for various services, such as health care, housing, temporary shelter etc. I would like to get more involved with project homeless connect, not just occasionally volunteer. I am also a member of the Alaska State Coalition on Housing and Homelessness. There is also a national chapter of this group. We meet occasionally to discuss what plans are being made, those already in existence, and how they have made a difference.

This is all well and good, but on the other end of the scale, it is just a shame that so many people had to die, living outside in an environment like Alaskas', because there was no room at the Inn! And then some of the shelters have policies that discourage people from seeking shelter, even when the mercury goes below zero. In conclusion I say "dare to care", your voice does count!