Juneau, Alaska – Since opening on Oct. 20, 163 individuals have come through Juneau’s cold weather emergency shelter (warming shelter).
Steven, a common resident, has been homeless for 10 years, he said, mostly living in the woods.
He said the shelter is a very good place for everybody who needs it, and the staff are good people. He’s known them for a long time because he’s stayed at previous shelters in Juneau.
When it comes to being homeless, Steven said people don’t understand that the cold can set in quickly. They don’t know what it’s like to wake up every day not knowing what’s next.
“On the streets it’s hard. If you aren’t in that crowd, you just don’t know. People just don’t know,” he said. “And I’m just a guy. A homeless guy.”
St. Vincent de Paul will operate the shelter until April 15, 2024. Click here to continue reading…