Homeless committee works behind the scenes for those in need

WASILLA — In my last article, I highlighted Project Homeless Connect and its impact on the homeless community in the Mat-Su Valley. I was amazed at how many people came to this event. However, it also brought up questions about what happens to those we could not see or help at this function. Many organizations worked together to make it happen, so I wondered about what else is being done to help the homeless and those in need throughout the rest of the year.

I was able to contact Sandi Sagerian and Crissi Reed from the Wasilla Homeless Committee (WHC) and ask them some questions on what is being done in the Valley to help those in need and what their role in that effort is.

The WHC specializes in assisting individuals and families who are homeless or in danger of becoming so. The non-profit organization helps with providing basic needs like food, clothing, household items, furniture, and transportation.

Sagarian explained that they try to reach whoever needs help in finding more stable housing. Last week, this meant helping two families, one of which has four children. The group was able to work with a local campground to obtain a lower cost for the families to stay there. The WHC also bought tents and sleeping materials for the families and helped move them to their new temporary ‘housing’. This is, of course, a temporary solution, but one that helped get the families more stable than they were previously.

The high cost of rent in the Mat-Su Borough can make it difficult for individuals and families living on a very low income to make rent while trying to meet their other family needs.

According to Sagerian, the WHC has made it their mission to end homelessness in the Mat-Su Valley and they are determined to help people who need help navigating the large number of options that local community services afford. The WHC is a 100 percent volunteer organization and has no paid staff, relying entirely on donations and fundraising events like bake sales. This year, they will be the recipient of the KAYO radio charity Quest for a Million Pennies.

The Wasilla Homeless Committee is one of many organizations committed to helping homeless individuals and families in our community. In the future, we hope to highlight even more of these organizations and the amazing things they do in the Mat-Su Valley.

If you are in need of help, know someone who needs help, or you would like to donate, you can contact Wasilla Homeless Committee through Facebook, www.wasillahomes.website, or by calling 907-521-2949. You can also contact Alaska 2-1-1 (dial 211 or visit alaska211.org) to get connected to a variety of vital resources.

Zach Curry is a senior at Mat-Su Central School.