KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source | Those needing a helping hand can find a meal at Christmas

Those needing a helping hand can find a meal at Christmas

by Ashton Goodell
Thursday, December 24, 2009

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The Anchorage Rescue Mission gave out a hundred more meals this year than it did last year.

Mission volunteers say the homeless population is growing and several people are homeless for the first time.

They say more people are moving to Alaska from the Lower 48 hoping to find jobs. A lot of them end up homeless.

One of the tenants, Johnnie Bustamante, says he's been bouncing from one shelter to another but still has one Christmas wish: a job. 

"I hold two masters degrees. I started working on my PhD in engineering management and I can't find a job," Bustamante said.

"This year we are noticing an increase in families with small children. We are feeding more meals this time of year than we did last year. The need's greater. With the economy, the fuel costs and everything, the need's definitely greater this year," said Program Manager David Williams.

The mission offers meals every day of the year, but what makes this one special is volunteers serve the guests.

The Rescue Mission had the dinner today so those taking part could go to more than one Christmas dinner this weekend.

And there are more meals scheduled for tomorrow:

Bean's Cafe will have a dinner from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Brother Francis' turkey dinner is 6 to 7:30 p.m.

And the Salvation Army will deliver 200 meals to homebound seniors.

Contact Ashton Goodell at agoodell@ktuu.com