With the deaths of more than 20 homeless people weighing on the collective psyche of Anchorage, Alaska, the country's largest state has been gazing down at the lower 48, in search of a solution. It hopes to have found one in the Emerald City.
Specifically, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority has been studying 1811 Eastlake, a local facility that provides housing for up to 75 formerly homeless men and women experiencing chronic alcoholism. Run by the Downtown Emergency Service Center, the housing complex provides 24/7 services, including health care and daily meals.
Alaska Trust has been in contact with DESC since last summer, but stepped up the effort as the deaths increased-- to 21 homeless people in the past 12 months.
In DESC's recent newsletter, mailed in late May, the organization notes that Alaska Trust hopes to fast-track its project, with Anchorage working to develop their program in one year.