(Anchorage, AK) It's what police believe to be the first death involving the controversial Karluk Manor, a housing facility for those who suffer from substance abuse.

The manor just opened in December and is located on East 5th Avenue

It does not require sobriety from its residents, but police say--it's still unclear whether or not that played a part in this resident's death.

APD says--it received a call shortly after 11:30a.m. yesterday [1-1-12], from a Karluk Manor employee, about a resident not breathing.

Medics responded but were unable to revive him.

The man is identified as 54-year-old John Kort.

Since the housing facility does not require sobriety, some have speculated in the past prior to the opening of Karluk Manor that passing of tenants might not be unusual.

In Kort's case, the cause of death is still unclear, however police say--a witness reported Kort to have had slurred speech previous to his death and police say--prescription bottles were found in his vicinity.

 "The medical examiner will be the one to determine the exact cause of death of Kort, so at this point of time it is an undetermined, unattended death,” said Marlene Lammers Spokesperson for the Anchorage Police Department.

The Housing First model is based on a project in Seattle called 1811 Eastlake. 

Officials say--it differs from traditional shelter-based response of homelessness by focusing on the worst cases of chronic alcoholics, providing permanent supportive housing.

 The goal karluk manor officials say--is by giving secure housing, residents will achieve the first step to self-sufficiency and community reintegration.

 The fact that the residents aren't required to be sober is what is causing the majority of the controversy when it comes to the program.