Many residents of Anchorage seem to believe that the city's plan to expand housing options and services near their neighborhood constitutes some sort of invasion. These critics cite falling property values, littering and crime near the city's current shelters as the reason for their hard hearts.
The reality is that the very people these critics fear already live among them. The reality is that many of the problems they point to would be greatly reduced if there was more beds and treatment options available. I would say the critics need to see a doctor, but there's no medical cure for willful blindness or lack of compassion.
Charlotte Van Zee
Anchorage
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