Letters to the Editor

Letter: No compassion

I’m disgusted by my fellow residents of Anchorage. In the article “Anchorage Assembly hears citizen opposition to purchase of buildings for homeless services,” photos show hoards holding signs proclaiming “SAVE MIDTOWN. NO on 2020-58 & 2020-66.” Residents cite fear of increased crime and property value loss.

Once again, people value personal property over the lives of others. Not to mention, investing money in the houseless should reduce crime.

Simply: The city’s houseless population needs our help. Before engaging in contempt for them, become educated on systemic disenfranchisement — our houseless population is comprised of human beings, and shelter and rehab save lives.

Anchorage residents also call for the abatement of tent camps: so the houseless aren’t allowed to live in tents and they’re not allowed to live in facilities too close to shops and homes. By my estimation, this means they simply aren’t allowed to live. I want to challenge the citizens screaming “Not in my back yard!” to try to think outside of themselves, but I don’t know how to teach people that they should care about others.

Those privileged enough to own a home aren’t the only ones who deserve homes. I challenge my fellow Anchorage citizens to stop valuing property over lives. Your signs should read: “SAVE LIVES. YES on 2020-58 & 2020-66.”

Emily Sullivan

Anchorage

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