Homeless Shelter
Dear Editor: It is sad that it takes a village to raise a child. It should also be noted that it takes heart to make a village.
Many hearts. Hearts full of caring and compassion and the human instinct to help one’s kin. And we in Sitka are all kin.
We breathe the same clean air, are drenched by the same rains.
Of course we all dwell in varied circumstances – some folks are in dire need, and others live lives of overflowing opulence. Some people prefer a frugal, easy on the planet lifestyle. Others may not consider any consequences of their choices.
Some have become trapped by circumstances, and have hardly any choices.
But there is one thing we can all agree on – shelter from the elements is crucial for survival. After finding basic shelter, those who are now homeless can begin to reshape their lives. How they do so should be our concern only in as much as health and safety are concerned.
Then can come the fulfillment of natural desires we all have – for joy, and fun, solidarity, and love.
Hunger once assuaged, creativity may flow.
Roof over one’s head – then there is time to look around and lend a helping hand to others.
Now it is our time to lend a helping hand, we who have that roof.
We are all in this.
The Sitka Homeless Coalition, with the support of Lisa Murkowski and others are well under way to the creation of a safe haven of shelter – Hitx’i Saaani – and we the public might well be encouraged to show our support as well.
As I read articles about draconian anti-homeless laws around the country for example this: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/05/us-states-homelessness-laws-alarm: my blood runs cold.
Sitka, we’re better than this.
We can do it.
Nancy Metashvilli, Sitka
SAFV Board
Dear Editor: On behalf of SAFV’s staff, I would like to thank all of the community members and businesses that supported our staff after the loss of two beloved co-workers.
SAFV’s generous board organized a gathering over the holidays for SAFV’s staff that included an amazing meal and gifts. We would like to express our gratitude to SAFV’s Board Chair Yeidikook’áa Brady-Howard for all of her support and care. We would also like to thank board members Maite Lorente, Dave Levesque, Cheryl Vastola, Shauna Thornton and Brian McNitt.
Thank you to the following individuals and businesses that supported us: the Allen Family, Shee Atika Inc., Sitka Tribe of Alaska, WinterSong Soap Company, Chocolate Moose, Harry Race Pharmacy and Photo, Artists Cove, Russell’s, Tina Moore, Tim Holder, Rebecca Wilbur, Tonia Puletau-Lang, Rachel Roy.
Also, Tamara Ongtowasruk, Chelsey Dunton, Daaljini Cruise, Signiq Designs, Christine Paul, Ryan Hill, Kitti Birkhead, Norma Perkins, Ken Truitt, Randy and Carol Hughey, Roby Littlefield, Steve Johnson, Paul Rioux, Nick Galanin.
Also, Brent Turvey, Laurie Jones Serka, Ben Hughey, Christine Davenport, Anna Laffrey, Michael Mausbach, Ellen Frankenstein, Katie Mulligan, Dave Vastola, Pam Steffes, Larisa Manewal, Matthew Jackson, Julie and Loyd Platson, Caroline Goodwin, Sotera Perez, Patrick O’Donnell, Alex Jenkins, and Tori O’Connell.
Natalie Wojcik,
Sitkans Against Family Violence
