What about Ann?

To the editor:

Ann came to Alaska as a tutor for a family with six children. This job included her housing. Then last winter the family’s home burned down, leaving Ann seemingly in the struggle of her life.

In her home state of Illinois she worked serving others through her senior center and the Meals On Wheels program.

Now she is unable to find employment, so she can’t afford housing. There are no homeless shelters in the Valley. No churches with beds can be found. She is in her mid-50s. And with no children in her care, there is little to no help for her.

She is enrolled at the community college. A homeless shelter in Anchorage is beyond her means as she can’t afford the gas and her vehicle isn’t dependable for long drives. She is brilliant with a genius-level IQ.

So again I say, what about Ann?

She is homeless and sleeping in her van. She is a simple person who requires little to make her smile, just a piece of foam to lie on and a burner with a can for cooking. But the joy on her face and in her voice was as if one had given her a bed and a real stove, as if that were all it took for her to find the comfort necessary to exist. I feel as if Ann has become not only Alaska’s, but the Valley’s, teardrops; helpless among many in the Last Frontier.

Aren’t we all children of God? They say Alaska is God’s country. Well, then, please lift up God’s heart and dry the tears of weeping pens that run of blues (ink).

Please consider a “What About Ann?” fund at your church, office, school or even home. Use those funds to assist displaced adults who encounter unexpected hardships.

If drugs or alcohol are a factor, then test recipients before disbursement of funds.

But God, help those like Ann who need a bed, housing, a job, etc. There are far too many Anns out there and winter will soon be upon us.

Thank you for listening. May any offering be multiplied. Prayers also are expected, but every humble offering I’m sure will be well received. God will bless a cheerful giver. It is promised. May Alaska’s waiting list for the helpless loose its wait.

Debbie Haws

Willow