KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Kodiak can be a hard place to live and the fear of homelessness is a concern for many. Others are hampered in their ability to get or keep jobs because they need a hand getting necessary documents or a valid driver’s licenses.
Even if they are not actually homeless, many Kodiak residents live on the edge with multiple generations pooling meager resources, or young adults and teens couch surfing with friends and relatives with no real place to call home.
Next Wednesday, March 13, a special all-day resource fair will be held at the high school gym. It’s called Homeless Connect and is designed specifically to address the needs of people who can use an extra helping hand.
KMXT’s Maggie Wall spoke with Homeless Connect’s organizer Emily Alvey (al-vee), who is a University of Alaska student doing an internship at the Brother Francis Shelter.
Homeless Connect Interview
That was Emily Alvey. She suggests that participants bring any paperwork that will be needed for getting services, such as ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of income, etc. If a person doesn’t have those, there will be people available to help them apply for the documents.
If a person does has original documents, it will speed up the process of getting services.
Alvery adds there are a lot of volunteer opportunities for anyone interested in making a difference. Everything from security to someone to help with paperwork, from helpers for lunch to people to staff the food and diaper bank–which will offer free goods to those who need them.
For more information on you can help, or how you can help someone who might benefit from the Homeless Connect resources, call the Brother Francis Shelter at 486-5610.
Again, the event will be held Wednesday, March 13, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kodiak High School Gym.
