The recent article “Safety issues mount around the Sullivan Arena Shelter” featured ethical dilemmas that are difficult for me, and maybe you, to grapple with. I appreciated the tone of the Fairview resident interviewed, and her frank concerns for “human … suffering.” But the author began by listing “public safety issues” including “large groups congregating.” Congregating groups — a public safety issue? This language sounds fear-based.
There is a difference between uncomfortable and unsafe. Walking by large groups that intimidate you, for whatever discriminatory issues you may have, may be uncomfortable. Seeing people sleeping outside, seeing people doing drugs, seeing more trash on your commute may be uncomfortable. Communities should advocate being more comfortable, certainly. But let’s not conflate comfort with safety here.
Unsafe is reflected in being diabetic and having your insulin stolen while staying in the shelter. Unsafe is reflected in Alaska’s rates of violence, where Alaska Native women are killed by men at 10 times the rate of white women here. Unsafe is living in Anchorage with drug or alcohol addiction and finding no open doors to therapy. Where were the voices of unhoused people in this article? Of those who may face truly unsafe situations?
— Liz Iandoli Miner
Anchorage
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