Oversight reports highlight ongoing challenges in Anchorage’s winter emergency shelters, including food shortages, bedbug infestations, and limited transportation access. The city enlisted Restorative Reentry Services (RRS) to monitor compliance and improve shelter conditions, but issues persist.
Homeless clients in city shelters have reported insufficient food despite a $1.7 million contract to provide three daily meals for 530 residents. According to RRS reports, meal portion sizes and quality fall short of federal standards.
Clients staying at Alex Hotel have expressed hunger, often requesting additional food. While the health department addressed these concerns with food contractors ESS Support Services Worldwide, challenges remain for shelter operators like Henning Inc., which manages three non-congregate shelters.
Transportation remains a critical issue for clients, particularly at the 56th Avenue congregate shelter. Reports reveal daily bus pass shortages, leaving clients unable to attend medical appointments or reach jobs.
Catholic Social Services, which operates the 200-bed shelter, faces growing criticism over laundry issues. Clients claim their belongings return dirty, wet, or misplaced after being sent to off-site laundries.
Bedbug infestations present another primary concern at multiple sites, and heat treatment tents are now being used to combat the problem. The city’s warming area at Henning House recently opened for colder nights and now operates continuously due to unpredictable weather.
Clients also report safety concerns due to inconsistent disciplinary measures and theft as deterrents to accessing resources. City officials acknowledge these issues and emphasize ongoing efforts to improve shelter conditions and services. Despite these measures, Anchorage’s winter emergency shelters face significant challenges amid rising homelessness.
This news article was initially published by Anchorage Daily News.
