The debate of what to do with the homeless population lacks even basic information on both sides. And that includes agencies within the state and city governments.
Here are my unscientific estimates: 80% of the individuals that live in a tent or in a homeless shelter for more than 30 days have a diagnosable mental illness or disorder. Ninety percent of the females who live on the street or couch-surf will be sexually or physically assaulted within a year. Eighty percent of the individuals living on the street will be the victim of a crime. I would gladly revise my estimations if the state and city government would provide scientific statistics.
It is difficult for city officials to make plans to move homeless individuals on to a new life when the homeless are continually being victimized.
Dorrance Collins
Anchorage
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