When Anchorage closed its mass shelter at the Sullivan Arena, they moved people to various locations including the Centennial Park campground. Now advocates are worried that people staying there aren't getting the resources and care they need.
ames Keele starts a fire using a makeshift burner at Centennial Campground.
“A very positive conversation that I had with the mayor was the explanation that it’s not what I perceive or what he perceives,” Branson said. “It’s what the people in the camp perceive and how they’re viewing life.” Campers James Keele and Jimmy Hartley made use of the rescinding of the ban, working to boil some water for coffee using a makeshift burner and some kerosene.As officials work to organize resources for homeless people, safety has been a concern for both volunteers and the campers using the area. Anchorage police were called to the campground Sunday night due to a fight between two men.
“If the need arises for us to start cooking onsite, it appears we will have that capacity, which greatly alleviates the concerns of Bean’s possibly pulling out,” Branson said. Mayor Dave Bronson announced Tuesday that the Salvation Army would be handling on-site client care at the campground. That includes connecting people with various resources, including food, case management, supplies and donations. That’s after the city’s Homeless Prevention Response System Advisory Council said it wouldn’t make those connections anymore, citing safety concerns and the fact that the campground isn’t part of the official city homelessness response.