The new Fairbanks Hopelink Warming Center has officially opened its doors in a larger space previously occupied by Goldie’s. Replacing its former location at the Hannah Solomon Building on Wendell Avenue, the center now offers enhanced services to support Fairbanks’ unhoused population during harsh winters.
Opening on December 9, the warming center operates nightly from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. through April, an hour earlier than last year. Program manager Keyda Lampkin explained that the earlier start accommodates increasingly cold evening temperatures. “Every year, it gets colder earlier,” Lampkin said, emphasizing the importance of adapting to meet community needs.
As a low-barrier facility, the Fairbanks Hopelink Warming Center imposes no sobriety requirements, ensuring broader access for those in need. The expanded space allows the center to increase its nightly capacity from 15 to 49 people, eliminating the two-hour rotation policy used in the past. This change significantly boosts residents’ chances of surviving Fairbanks’ dangerous sub-zero temperatures.
The center has not yet reached full capacity this season, but challenges remain. In the most recent point-in-time count from January 2024, Fairbanks reported 148 individuals experiencing homelessness. To continue meeting demand, the center relies on partnerships and community support. Donations of winter gear, food, and funds are especially critical.
While the center’s expanded capacity and services address immediate needs, Lampkin emphasized the necessity of long-term housing solutions. She called for transitional low-barrier housing to help individuals overcome challenges like criminal history and missing documentation. “A housing community, I feel, would be great if ever possible here in Fairbanks,” she said.
By expanding its reach and increasing accessibility, the Fairbanks Hopelink Warming Center is a critical lifeline for Fairbanks’ most vulnerable residents. As winter continues, community support remains essential for sustaining this vital resource.
This news article was originally published by Alaska´s News Source.
