Churches Provide Cold Weather Shelters

Last winter 2 churches provided shelter for about 80 people in Anchorage. This winter more than 100 people have found shelter thanks to four different churches.

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by Megan Mazurek

Story Created: Feb 3, 2012 at 6:10 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 3, 2012 at 6:10 PM AKDT

Non-profit and faith-based agencies present an update saying the homeless situation has improved, but says there is still more work to be done.
One angle of homelessness is the issue of finding a warm, safe place for individuals that have been turned down by traditional shelters to prevent overcrowding; especially in colder temperatures.
To fight this, Mayor Sullivan established the cold weather plan, allowing the City Director of Health and Human services to designate certain churches as temporary cold weather shelters.
Four churches have taken part in the effort and more will soon join.
"I think this is all very good news. And just one example of so many good things happening in our city to make Anchorage a great place to live for all us citizens," David Kuiper, pastor at Crosspoint Church. "Even better news would be the end of homelessness in Anchorage. I think that would be a worthy goal for our whole community to work toward together."
Last winter 2 churches provided shelter for about 80 people. This winter more than 100 people have found shelter thanks to four different churches.
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