Karluk Manor, the controversial Downtown housing project for homeless men and women dealing with chronic alcoholism almost finished, and on Wednesday there was a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate its opening in November. Each of the 46 rooms is furnished with a bed, a TV, hard flooring, a table and chairs, and a small bathroom. A dining area will serve two meals a day, provided by the nearby non-profit Bean’s Café. People who live in the building will also get medical, mental health, financial and legal help. Tenants will have to pay rent on a sliding fee scale, and have to adhere to a code of conduct. There will also be no panhandling or loitering at the building or nearby. Organizers of Karluk Manor said the concept will cost taxpayers less in the long run.
“They won’t be dying on the streets of Anchorage,” said Melinda Freemon with RurAL CAP. “They’ll be safe and secure and we can help them deal with their medical problems, their mental health issues, their substance abuse problems.”
Ron Alleva, a Fairview resident, protested the project across the street.
“You shouldn’t allow chronic alcoholics to drink at the taxpayers expense.” Said Alleva.
