Mayor declared Civil Emergency for Municipality of Anchorage

Yesterday, Mayor Berkowitz declared a Civil Emergency to address the impacts of state budget cuts.  The Civil Emergency allows the mayor to make use of all available resources of the municipal government in order to address the imminent public health and safety risks. The Proclamation of Civil Emergency will be in effect for 48 hours, beginning at 3:00 pm on Wednesday.  On Friday, the Assembly will meet to deliberate and vote on an extension- which would allow the Municipality to continue funneling resources to service providers.  ACEH supports the Mayor's declaration of Civil Emergency and urges the Assembly to extend the Civil Emergency in order to protect Anchorage's most vulnerable residents. 

The Assembly presented three options moving forward and is requesting public comment before Friday, July 26th.  The options moving forward are to; 

1. Restore funding to providers as soon as possible through municipal and philanthropic funding streams
2. Develop a non-traditional solution in partnership with the community- potential solutions include a sanctioned camp or activating emergency shelter locations
3. End the Proclamation of Civil Emergency on Friday at 3:00 PM

In response to the Civil Emergency, United Way has established a Help Anchorage fundraising mechanism for interested community members who wish to contribute.  100% of donated funds will go directly to providers to support their work with vulnerable populations. 

Impacts of the Governor's Vetoes on Anchorage

Anchorage is already feeling the impacts of the Governor's vetoes and we expect the public health crisis to worsen over the coming months if these vetoes are not overturned.  Here are a few ways we've been impacted so far:

• Many Coordinated Entry Access Points have been forced to close- meaning those who need our help most are unable to get assistance obtaining housing.  For the most up-to-date access points, please check the ACEH website
• Day services around Anchorage are limiting services and hours- this means fewer safe day time spaces for those in need 
• Brother Francis Shelter plans to reduce capacity by 58% in the coming weeks