KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source | Fairbanks group tackles homelessness
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Some say that the problem of homelessness in Fairbanks is a drain on taxes and deters tourism and business from downtown. (File/KTUU-DT)by The Associated Press
Monday, November 02, 2009
FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- A Fairbanks group wants to do something about homelessness in the community.
The Homeless Coalition says the problem costs taxpayers millions in hospital care and public services. It also hurts tourism and downtown business.
David van den Berg, executive director of the Downtown Association, hosted a discussion last week with public officials and members of the Homeless Coalition to take a closer look at ending the problem.
Attending the meeting was Paul Carlson, a coordinator for the housing program from the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.
Carlson helps build 10-year plans to end homelessness in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
The plan is based on theory that people must have their basic needs - food, clothing, shelter and safety - met before they can address mental illness and addictions.
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