OPINION: Bronson’s homeless plan is ill-conceived and heartless

Mayor Dave Bronson’s so-called “solution” to address the growing problem of unhoused individuals in our community is to transform functioning safe havens for children, namely the Fairview and Mountain View recreation centers, into shelters. These centers provide a place for primarily underprivileged children and families to exercise, play, make art (and friends!) and so much more, as well as providing supervision and safety for children during school breaks. The mayor has taken this action, with limited notice to the community, despite the fact that there are numerous vacant properties (Golden Lion Hotel, the long-shuttered midtown Alaska Club, unused hotel rooms during off-season months, etc.) that would provide safety, access to transportation and shopping, without drastically impacting children and families.

This proposal would be heartless in any time, but it is important to recognize that these are still pandemic times. Our schools are struggling with unfilled staff positions. Students have lost many of their competencies to get along with other children and build healthy relationships with adults after years of school disruptions and Zoom lessons. For 30-plus years, the SEARCH Institute has conducted research to determine how we can best help children thrive, avoid high-risk behaviors and demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges. The Institute’s founder synthesized the findings of their research stating, “Nothing -- nothing -- has more impact in the life of a child than positive relationships.” This is what our community’s recreation centers provide, a place to foster relationships and create connections with trusted adults.

The mayor’s proposal is a classic “Solomon’s Choice” — a seemingly impossible decision that has to be made between competing alternatives. It is based upon the assumption, however, that there are only two alternatives, with the administration choosing to serve one population in need (our unhoused neighbors) by creating a significant disservice to children, families and communities in lower-income neighborhoods through lost access to their recreation centers.

Our family has great compassion for our neighbors who are currently without housing. We know from close personal experience and from volunteer efforts with our church, that all of us are just one job loss or health emergency away from homelessness. Let’s make sure that Anchorage provides adequate support for all its vulnerable individuals. Keep our recreation centers available to children and families and provide shelter for those in need from among the many existing locations in Anchorage that are currently not in use.

Janice A. Banta, ACSW (retired), worked as a clinical therapist, children’s advocate and most recently served as an elementary school counselor.

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