Anchorage warming facilities accepting community donations as temperatures plunge

Three warming centers that were stood up in Anchorage recently in response to a prolonged cold snap are now accepting blankets, warm clothing and other community donations for unhoused residents.

Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson issued an emergency order Friday that was approved by the Anchorage Assembly over the weekend, allowing the warming facilities to be open at least until Feb. 13, when the order expires.

The warming facility at the Aviator Hotel is open each day from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. The warming centers at the Golden Lion and the city’s large group shelter, located in a former administrative building of Solid Waste Services on East 56th Avenue near the Old Seward Highway, are now both open 24/7.

Free nighttime transportation was also being offered to the Aviator Hotel during the warming facility’s open hours by calling 907-313-9002, according to the Bronson administration.

When asked what kinds of items were being accepted and where the greatest need was, Junior Patea, an employee of the city’s group shelter, on Tuesday said, “Blankets, socks, sweats.”

Men’s and women’s winter gear — including jackets, hats, gloves and boots — as well as individually packaged snacks and hand warmers are also being accepted, said Veronica Hoxie, a spokeswoman for Bronson.

On Tuesday, the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness and other service providers were surveying everyone experiencing homelessness in Anchorage, including people living unsheltered in camps and on streets.

Before the new warming centers opened, Anchorage’s unhoused residents had not had access this winter to a 24-hour warming facility, which can be lifesaving for those experiencing homelessness and living outdoors.

The city in 2023 saw a rise in outdoor homeless deaths, and the Anchorage Fire Department this winter has reported near-daily, often dangerous fires at outdoor homeless encampments as residents have struggled to safely stay warm.

Patea said donations could be dropped off anytime at the administrative building now acting as a warming shelter, at 1111 E. 56th Ave. Community members can also call the shelter at 907-313-9002 for more information about donating or ways to help.

“Whatever people donate, we appreciate it,” Patea said.