House Race
Dear Editor: Rebecca Himschoot is a quality candidate for a seat in the Alaska House of Representatives. Along with other educators, we support Rebecca’s candidacy:
– She is a mature, balanced clear thinker who studies a problem before acting on a strategy
– An experienced educator, she knows how to interact with students, parents and the public
– She brings energy and knowledge of Alaskan issues to the position
Ms. Himschoot would be a superb representative of Sitka and other communities in this district.
We ask you to support her candidacy for the Alaska State House of Representatives.
Harvey Brandt, Kathleen Brandt
and Dorrie Farrell, Sitka
Homes for Homeless
Dear Editor: The Sitka Homeless Coalition aspires to end homelessness in Sitka by constructing a neighborhood at the end of Jarvis Street. The project recently received its Tlingit name of Hítxʼi Sáani (Little Houses). The residential units will be small, but together with a community garden and a shared gathering space, Hítx’i Sáani will not just be shelter, but a home.
The neighborhood follows the Housing First approach, guided by the belief that people need necessities like food and a place to live before attending to other activities such as securing employment, budgeting properly, or addressing substance abuse/mental health challenges. Housing First has been studied nationwide and evidence is clear: this approach works, even for the highest-need segments of the homeless population.
As we continue to make progress toward making this goal a reality, we’d like to thank those who have financially supported this worthy cause. Numerous individual donors have truly made this a community wide effort and we thank you! A special shout-out to AC Lakeside for the barbeque fundraiser, much appreciation to your staff and company. And gunalchéesh to our business and agency donors including Sitka Tribe of Alaska Social Services, Sitka Food Co-op, First Bank, Sitka Salmon Shares, Sitka Moose Lodge 1350, White’s Pharmacy, St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Sitka Methodist Church, Network for Good, Sitka Counseling and Prevention Services, Ludvig’s Bistro, Beak Restaurant, and Robert Baird and Company Incorporated, Hames Corporation, White Elephant Inc., and the Sitka Rotary Club.
To the many anonymous donors, thank you. Our efforts will continue in trying to end homelessness in Sitka and we will keep Sitkans in the loop with updates and more fundraising opportunities!
Sitka Homeless Coalition
