Home for homeless
Published Thursday, July 3, 2008
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Stumble It!June 27, 2008
To the editor:
A copy of the News-Miner article “Herding the homeless,” (June 21), was left under my wipers with a note added, “Need tent. Ricky & Dorothy.”
I have conversed with many people who have been homeless, who have had to live and work under adverse situations in order to scrape up enough money to get themselves out of the situations they had so unwillingly been forced into due to unforeseen circumstances.
I recently developed a curiosity about the tallest building in Fairbanks and tried to imagine what could possibly be done to revitalize our community. The building is located across from the courthouse. I had almost given up on finding any use for it, specifically any use for it that would directly be transformed to an economic profit.
I learned from the Realtor that the $800,000 building had been donated to a nonprofit in town. Then, today, I was greeted with this form of the demonstration of integrity from the tremendous efforts of a person already saddled with the extreme difficulty of homelessness and poverty. I was so impressed with this that I had to write up this proposal to the people of Fairbanks.
I propose that the building be used to house the homeless until such time as they are able to lift themselves out of their situation and boost themselves into a better life.
The location is perfect. It is near the courthouse and only a short distance from the Tanana Valley Campus where they can obtain further education. I further propose that both Ricky Blount and Dorothy Pitts be made landlords and be provided with the education necessary to be landlords. This would also allow the other 20 plus homeless to have apartments. I believe that this would be a better solution than providing Ricky and Dorothy with a “tent.” I would recommend that this building be called “Safe Haven” named after the Church in the Caves in the mountains in Rwanda that were used to hide people during the 1994-1998 Rwandan genocides.
I sincerely hope this may be a solution to both of these problems.
Klinton Chace
Fairbanks
Community Discussion
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I hope you're not serious......for so many reasons.
wow -
If you are giving away apartments maybe I will sell my house!
does it include food, fuel and cable?
Who is going to foot the bill for the utilities?? What about food?? Laundry service??
These people have no interest in education. That part made me laugh. They want something for nothing. They also have no clue what a job is or they would have one since there are several here in the city.
Let me know when these free apartments are ready. I'd like one please.
WOW!!! Sometimes I feel like people have NO hearts or compassion for other people. Yes maybe this "idea" needs to be worked out and more planning. but have YOU!!! ever been living on the streets at -50 below or sleeping in the rain. How cold hearted you must be to think that ALL the homeless people don't want a "education" Yes there may be people out there that dont know how to better them self or addicted to drugs and they simply don't know how to. I don't see you thinking of anything to help!!! God bless you and your ablity to care one another.
Has anyone been inside that building in the last few years? It would literally cost millions to bring that up to liviable standards!! Flood waters, frozen pipes, mildew. Can you image what it would cost to heat and for electricity!!
What about the single mothers striving to make a home for their children with today economy. What about the working poor who struggle from payday to payday? These are people who are at least trying to survive on their own and holding jobs, and raising their families. There are already places for the homeless Recuse Mission. I'm sorry if it has rules that a lot of those homeless people won't conform too. But those that have been there and gone through work programs would you believe are living on there own. It is again a matter of choice of how you want to live and better yourself.
I wish Poloris HOtel would be torn down it is a eyesore for the town. Unless someone truly has millions to restore it.
I have an idea because I talked with the investor from anchorage who wanted to renovate the Polaris. The numbers are (as of 2003 and rising each year I am sure):
Building- 800,000
Asbestos removal- 900,000 up to 2 million
Renovations and clean up after water damage- over 8 million
This project was looked at with several grants, some where for low income housing on some floors, elderly assisted living on some floors and having the first three floors open to offices. The investor from Anchorage had 90% of the funding and could not get the owner/seller to give him the time to find the rest of the funds so he pulled out and we are still looking at the building that can not be imploded and removed due to the new marble faced court house across the street. Why they didnt do this before the court was built, when the building was also vacant, I dont know. The owner of the property is now going to donate the building because no one is buying that headache.
Maybe the one who was going to buy it could form a non-profit and it could be donated in his direction. I can just imagine (don't want to) what is in there. As for education of homeless, would be surprised at the level of education some of them have, they may just have a degree or two and hit rock bottom. If one was to find this out, hey then it could be a way to 'save' themselves and their counterparts into becoming productive citizens again. Just a thought.
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thanks spiritofalaska! The rescue mission, a life saver for the homeless! but can you believe that these people still stand on corners begging for money and cigs! ha! i tell them "you know you can go down to the rescue mission eat, sleep, shower, and get a job!" what these people want is exactly a free hand out. they don't want to go to chapel, do chores, or stay sober which are the simple rules at the rescue mission. i'm sorry if people think that that is heartless but i'm not going to be put up with driving around doing errands and having some homeless man calling me sweetie and begging!!
I dont think much of Chace's idea. By the time we made the Polaris habitable, we could probably buy every homeless person a new 3 bedroom house. And the liability of just letting them camp in the building makes that out of the question.
I'd love to see the Polaris torn down. But the asbestos removal would seem to make this impossible. I mean, who in the world would have an extra $900,000-$2,000,000 just sitting around? The property itself cant be worth that much. Well, maybe.
The government, state or fed, doing it might be an option. But they have enough property downtown that isn't being taxed.
What a dilemma!
Kind of reminds me of the FEMA trailers for the hurricane folks.
I'm a very heartful and giving person. I have helped people that beg. I have picked up hitch hikers in the cold or rain. I have taken people walking because they obviously had car trouble. I have filled the back seat of a persons car that I knew just got burned out of their home. I have also been burned by helping those standing with a sign in their hand. Trust me, if they can stand with a sign begging, they can hold a job. if they truly want to better themselves, there are many ways they can do just that. They simply want something for nothing. Graceless is right.
the start of a great idea, but wrong building. dispite the fact that i spent a decade homeless wandering the streets of fairbanks i tend to be a conservative. it's the conservative political values that tend to create more jobs and more opportunities for guys like me to get off and stay off the streets. but sometimes those liberals come up with some good ideas. here's one http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/06/...
some people won't go to the mission because they don't like the rules. some don't go because they don't like the forced religion. but others like me, who CAN follow rules and is a christian anyway, didn't use that facility much because of other reasons in regards to the staff that run that place. and 95% of the people who have had to actually live there would back me up on that....
i have a challenge. it would be a great project for a newsminer reporter to try. go be a homeless person and try and get off the streets before it snows. rules are simple, you can only take some pocket change (up to 50 dollars) and a duffle bag full of clothes, a tent and a sleeping bag. you may not recieve any help from relatives or current friends. you may not have a cell phone or use any message service that you currently have. you may not use any mailing addresses you currently have. you can't use any of your current contacts for jobs. you have to start out tabla rosa. should be simple enough, right? there are help wanted signs in an awful lot of windows across town. and remember, you don't have to battle a mental illness or substance abuse problem at the same time (of course, by the end of the experiment, you might be). at the end of the experiment you can go home and write the story up. no cheating though!! no sneaking home or to a relatives house for a shower or a hot meal. if you get injured or attacked and beat up by roving bands of miscreants you have to depend on what services are available out there to help. it can be quite dangerous out there.
What most of these people want is cash, mula, $$$ for their habits. I've been with these people while I haven't been in the best financial position myself. I've been asked for spare change to buy a coffee. Being someone addicted to coffee, I can understand this. So I offer to take what little I have to buy the coffee. Guess what? "No, No, thats okay. Don't want to bother you." Or some such thing. There's alot of folks homeless and almost homeless that frequent the soup kitchen. There are all kinds of reasons people go there, not just for a free handout. For me, it started just so I would eat a balanced meal at least once a day. I think for many its a social outing. Something alot of folks need to keep from sinking into depression. I've helped out 2 local non-profits. Been benefited by another, I'm real curious which non-profit bought the building. I do believe most of the homeless are natives. Natives from all the different villages who come to town and then can't seem to save enough to get back home. If the building was used for these homeless, then it should have a program to help these folks dig themself (?sp.?) out of poverty. So is there like one big umbrella organization that covers all the different native groups? Maybe that is the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. Maybe something has been done in other parts of the country that Fairbanks could use as an example of how to proceed.
That building has mold issues and frozen pipes and ect ect
dee99709 i know exactly what you mean! my stepdad has numerous times asked someone if he could buy them a meal when they claim they are hungry and starving for food! do you know how many accepted? i'm sure you can guess.
to exchronic- yeah maybe people don't want religion forced upon them but you know what, those people will help you to get back on your feet and then once your there you can practice any religion you like.
I was homeless once in Miami. I was homeless because I took all my rent money to buy a car,...lol. The reason for such drastic measure was it was all I could do to bike around Miami, or take the bus to get to work. As it worked out a girlfriend let my share her apartment so I could save money for my own place.
Basically sometimes being homeless or on the streets is by choice. FREE home, FREE meals, FREE handouts do not work. We ALL have to work at something. People have to have goals.
We have a good rescue mission. Granted personnel may not always jive with the guests, but well there you have it, a free place to stay for a while,...with rules,..just like life. There are rules to follow anywhere.
I say put any more money into the rescue mission. Maybe make it bigger, add more entertainment or schooling. Why divert funds from an already successful, working system?
In fact the Rescue Mission is dire need of money, and volunteers. The current resident manager has done a great job, as have the people there already helping others. Let's give them some thanks for a thankless job well done!
are you sure the rescue mission is a Free place to stay???
I do believe there is a nightly charge.
justasking- the only "fee" is chores at the rescue mission.
exchronic---
My sincere congratulations on cleaning your act up. It shows a strength of character.
I read the article that you linked to. It seems kind of dangerous to me, spending public money to keep people screwed up. Maybe it's all that can be done, and I'm being unrealistic, but I believe that people that have lost their way aren't disposable. This program seems to say, we cant save the drunk's life but we can save the taxpayer money.
Dove---
Staying at your girlfriend's in Miami aint really homeless. Technically, it is, but come on...
The Rescue Mission is supported by contributions. If you believe, as I do, that they are in dire need of money, pony up.
glacier, it may not have been down and out homeless, but it was enough to not have anywhere to go that night, until a girlfriend offered her home to me. BTW I have volunteered throughout this community, as well as, raised funds for organizations...volunteered well in excess of 1500 hrs per year. So git yer own saddle.
I was approached by a scraggly man at the post office one winter. He said "Im hungry, can you afford a little change to give me for food?". I said "I just went shopping and my car is full of food, come outside and take whatever you want". The man said "NO THANKS".
Aframe--what the heck is that supposed to mean? What does Fema trailers for the hurricane survivors have to do with giving free handouts to people that don't want to be a part of a functioning society?? Please answer.
I have another question for those of you that have been homeless or know homeless people. Aside from choosing to buy a car and be homeless at your girlfriends house what has to happen in order for you to make the decision to be homeless?
AN OLD INDIAN SOLUTION AT LAST!
BANISHMENT! Split the Fairbanks Correctional Center in half. Create a huge "spiritual camp" far away so no one escapes. Make inmates work hard for duration of their stay. Make their work accommplishments design to give back to the community for a small cost and use that to run the camp. Have 90 days block manatory sentences for frequent offenses. Once rehabilated give one way ticket per family recommendation. Dang! I could even be the tribal Warden!
Dove---
My apologies. I read something into your statement that wasn't there. "I say put more money in the Rescue Mission", I misunderstood as you advocating more government funds. I stand corrected.
And you are a former homeless person. Bona fide. Even if just for one night...at your girlfriend's. It must have been tough on you.
I actually looked into this briefly, as an alternative for low-income housing.
The building would cost somewhere in the realm of a million and a half to bring up to city code standards, paticularly in the plumbing and electrical. Then it needs winterization, and with the costs of fuel... It just does not pan out. You would also need security guards (plural, like 2-3 per shift) to keep it from turning into one giant trashed out drug dealership/red-light district.
Unfortunately, the only way I can see to use the building would be to renovate it into office space for lawyers and such, and fairbanks is in no need of more offices.
Oddly enough, I heard that NANA wanted to purchase it from the city and revitalize/expand the building, but the city asked for massive back taxes or liens in addition to the purchase cost... so instead they built Springhill Suites. I only heard this though, would appreciate it if anyone knows more about it.
You would probably get more out of Polaris by letting Hollywood pay to blow it up for a movie and then taking that money to build something. This way we can take that spot and put in FREE parking. This would bring in more people to downtown which I thought that's what downtown wanted.
"Aframe--what the heck is that supposed to mean? What does Fema trailers for the hurricane survivors have to do with giving free handouts to people that don't want to be a part of a functioning society?? Please answer."
I think he was making a comment on the quality of the homes that FEMA provide. The building here has asbestos, mold, frozen pipes, etc. He was making a comparison to the FEMA trailers that had formaldehyde gas problems.
cjg--I really hope that was the reference and not that a lot of people thought that the government should not help the people down there because they made the choice to live there.
We all need help from time-to-time and shouldn't grudge those that need a helping hand.
When I was about 18 my friend and I spent a few months homeless , I never had any inclination to use any "homeless services" for a lot of reasons, mostly pride and not wanting to be a part of that system.
Realisticaly, looking back, it wasn't that bad, we had a little food, mostly a large stash of rice, and a few squirlls and birds. we were camped out in the woods around fairbanks and were able to change our situation before winter hit.
It was extreemly difficult to find work as a person who had difficulties keeping clean and doing laundry. My friend and I finaly were able to find jobs (at the same place). He was fired within a few days for smelling of woodsmoke (the manager was afraid that it would offend the customers, and he had been warned). My point is that it is difficult to get off the streets and homeless people could use a little help to turn things around, it might be easier to hold up a sign than to find and keep a job as a homeless person.(although I never did)
That being said I think this is a horible idea. homeless people are as diverse a group as any other, and as so there are plenty of people who would take advantage of the system. This would only hurt the downtown area.
why not homeless go to jobs center and pick apply up for jobs. and start save money for apt till winter comes
I know the lead of the organization this building was donated to. I was able to go in and look at the building just 2 weeks ago. It is because of homeless people that the building is in it's current condition. They have taken the time to break all the mirrors, place irons through microwaves, tear up sofas, break tvs, and all the windows on the top floor. There is literally a green film, similar to grass, but mold all over the top floor. The hotel's odor is offensive from the moment you set foot through the front door.
It is currently on a 5-year track to be completely gutted out and redone. I know the mentioning of low-income housing was mentioned for some floors, but feel apartments or even condos would be more suitable as Fairview Manor is being renovated for seniors and low-income already.
lagirl: "I have another question for those of you that have been homeless or know homeless people. Aside from choosing to buy a car and be homeless at your girlfriends house what has to happen in order for you to make the decision to be homeless?"
I doubt that many people make a decision to become homeless. They become victims of circumstances.
Some fall victim to alcohol and drug addiction. Sure, they make the initial choice to drink; but it doesn't take long before the addiction has control of them and they no longer have a choice.
Some are victims of domestic violence or abuse, and must leave the only home they know for safety's sake? Those who do not have the option to stay with friends or family often become homeless. Women's shelters limit the amount of time someone can stay there.
Still others are mentally or physically disabled and somehow fall through the safety net of society - perhaps through fear or paranoia about structured entities.
People released from jail have often lost everything thay owned. With no car, no job, no money, few clothes, and no place to call home, many gravitate to the mission. Some make it there; others don't. In my volunteer work, I have met a lot of people who are staying at the mission. True, there are rules there. It's a necessity. And, yes, they are required to attended religious services before dinner. But we need to realize that the religious people are the only ones who care enough to provide a place for homeless people, so they have a right to ask, in return, that they be given a chance to share their message of hope and a way out of trouble.
I have listened to conversations between folks who have stayed at the mission, and yes, there does seem to be a consensus that there are some problems with staff being less than understanding. But most people can live with that, and they're grateful for a place to stay. I only recall one person who had serious complaints about the mission, and that individual seemed prone to always be complaining about something, mission or otherwise.
As I understand it, folks are allowed to stay a certain number of days at the mission for free. After that, I believe the charge is $10 per day. Those who cannot pay are allowed to work an equivalent number of hours to work it off. Most don't complain. Where else in Fairbanks can you get a bed, food, showers and other facilities and services for $300 a month?
according to my husband nana did want to buy the old polarius hotel but the city wanted 4.5 million in back taxes so the deal never went through.
demolish the polaris, build a zoo.....or a jail.
Who is the non-profit and where are they going to get the money to rebuild or remodel? Have I missed the news?
I seen a man making himself perfectly comfortable on the mini mall sidewalk at 3rd and Old Steese. Sleeping quite soundly around 2pm this afternoon. I guess I have little compassion. It is hard to explain to your kids about the guy holding a sign at the east Fred Meyer saying he is homeless and needs a job as he sits puffing on his ciggarettes. These people have options, but for the most part choose not to take certain jobs, or have goals to better their lives. I am sure there are exceptions to this, but not to many. I do believe this has become a serious issue, I have grown up in this town, and I don't ever remember seeing as bad as it is right now, but the Polaris builing is not the answer, nor is free handouts.
Wow exchronic....you lay out all the standard excuses well. Must be years of experiance at playing the system. And playing taxpayers for suckers.
"Who is going to foot the bill for the utilities?? What about food?? Laundry service??
These people have no interest in education. That part made me laugh. They want something for nothing. They also have no clue what a job is or they would have one since there are several here in the city.
Let me know when these free apartments are ready. I'd like one please."
WOW!! you couldn't be any more clueless about being homeless....
sad...you should do some research before you made a broad generalization, especially when you're obviously clueless...
keep typing...you'll chase away any doubt we may have....
It's a thoughtful idea, but sounds like it would not work out as well as envisioned.
And to those comments about being clueless over the homeless lifestyle, that is another person's perception of the homeless, just how anyone else has one. I for one haven't had the experience, but the majority of the homeless I see appear to be the ones holding the signs and looking for handouts. Most people don't see the supposed good-meaning, down on their luck, wanting to straighten out their life kind of homeless.
How about 3rd & Steese in the Northgate shopping area, and the individuals always kicking around by the side of the AT&T store facing the road? Is that a mix of homeless or just local kids?
Doing anything to encourage these people is counter productive. Being homeless is not an ideal situation. The more uncomfortable it is, the more incentive to sober up, get a job and move on.
I don't know Clay. It seems a few of these homeless people holding signs at Fred Meyers and otherwise,..well, their sign says "homeless veteran" (which breaks my heart). I do give dollars to these folks sometimes....it simply yanks at my emotions.
Why do people become homeless? I'm guessing sudden loss of job, unexpected illness, divorce, arrest/jail/lawyers, death in family, drugs, alcohol, etc. How many here have a 3 months stash of cash saved to fall back on? There are any number of reasons why people/ entire families become homeless.
Given the economy now, I expect to see many more people/families on the street. This winter will be especially difficult for everyone,...especially the poor.
All I can say is we need to open our hearts and pocketbooks and help others. We ALL need to stick together in Fairbanks.
I applaud you. As being one who has been homeless and down on my luck I think you have a great idea. All glory to Jesus we have been able to slowly pull ourselves up. My husband is disabled and we have a teenage son. This would be a great idea for people who are in the same situation we were. Thank you Klinton Chace.
I also want to reply to Dove. It is a domino effect. For instance in my case I was working at a local B&B. We were renting a trailer from them. They over employed people including out of country girls. So they fired and evicted me in the same day so the girls can move in. He said since it is a "motel" I had 24 hours to leave. He also lied to me about the rent and charged me $30 dollars more a week so I had NO money. At 8:00 am I was employed and happy; at 4:00pm I was unemployed and homeless. Fairbanks has rental "help" programs but its not for real emergencies. All of them said we had to fill out paperwork....some took 2weeks others took months. We had NO WHERE to go. We are still homeless in a since but I am saving to get my own place. But I have a roof over my head. Thank God for compassion of friends.
I'm so sorry pugsy. I pray your situation improves.
Additionally to the homeless domino effect is the idea of "getting" employment. Most employers need a phone contact, employment referances, current address, not to mention, cleanliness and attire.
Homeless Joe has no food, no phone, no car, no clothes, no shower, who is going to give Joe a job? Let's add depression, stress, anxiety to Jos's situation and we technically have mental illness. I forgot Joes's concern for his family sleeping in the woods temporarily during summer. Nice picture?
Anyone getting an idea of the homeless picture here?
Instead of using the Polaris. Why can't we salvage some of the old mobile home frames, tear the structure off and build them to with stand Alaskan weather. This would be much cheaper and still give much needed affordable housing to those in need.
The time for $300,000 homes is over let's get back to basics.
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