Palmer takes on a complicated social issue

Our community of Palmer took on one of the most complicated social issues that nearly every town—in every state—faces. This is the hard issue of vagrancy and homelessness. On Friday night community members, agencies, candidates and city officials gathered together to collect their thoughts and hopes for safety, needs, and potential solutions.

The first question which is always asked is: why would anyone choose to be homeless—especially in Palmer, Alaska—in the winter? The answer is actually part of the problem. It is not a choice; it is a default. A percentage of Palmer’s homeless people are simply unable to move to a place where there are services. And some simply do not want to leave this community where they have established meaningful roots. Plus Palmer is a gentle and beautiful town. The homeless people feel comfortable in Palmer for the exact same reason the rest of the people feel comfortable here.

However, being without a home is a dangerous option, especially in our winter climate. Constantly being sleep-deprived, defensive, humiliated, confused, cold, wet, hungry, sick, stressed, creates an unstable traumatic lifestyle which can border on despair. Mental illness is often a companion of the homeless option. And not surprisingly there is a pecking order and hierarchy on the street; aggressive players intimidate and victimize the weak, just as in other parts of life.

A number of Palmer individuals and business owners explained that over the years they have helped the street people. They have tried to offer resources. They have fed, clothed and even housed them. Some faith and civic organizations have also done their part in trying to help. But the problem has grown. And altercations have increased along with the undeniable fact that mental illness is a huge problem.

It seems clear that this situation is screaming for some sort of leadership, which is why Palmer appropriately hosted the community meeting. As in most public meetings there was a bit of emotion, a bit of yelling, and some tedious rhetoric, but fortunately not a lot of it. For the most part many options were discussed in a civil and very compassionate manner. The way forward seems clear. A coordinated effort must be made to direct, help and guide the homeless population to safe alternatives which already exist.

Palmer lacks a good transportation system to help those without vehicles. Resources are scattered and difficult to locate. There is no warming shelter or sleeping shelter. There are some public bathrooms. There’s a public library. There is a food bank. But none of these facilities are built to serve the daily needs of a homeless population. The majority of agencies and resources are 12 miles west in Wasilla. That is a very long walk if one has the energy or physical stamina to make it.

There is the fear that if Palmer were to create and establish official services for a homeless population, then the system would be instantly overloaded, as is seen elsewhere. More homeless would be drawn to this community and more services would be demanded. Palmer is a small town. Because it is so small, impacts are felt from even the tiniest changes. It doesn’t take much to change the character. Palmer can’t absorb large systemic changes without becoming overwhelmed.

Chief Shelton recited that the Palmer Police have responded to over 1000 calls since January of 2021 which were related to trespass, public assistance, shoplifting and disturbances. He said they field 40 calls daily which may be related to this issue. He says that they repeatedly offer rides to fully functional service providers. Often times the answers are no.

No one person or group owns the Community of Palmer. Everyone who lives here came from somewhere else. The transitional nature of transplants is no where more evident than in Alaska. Palmer has a strong community of support and discussions will happen. Kudos to the town leaders for not ignoring societal impacts and good luck in crafting compassionate and meaningful solutions.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. (She is working hard on the 2023 Palmer Community Calendar, which may be available in October.) Barbara shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222