For some people in the Upper Valley, winter means living off of summer savings or stringing together what work is available. With limited funds, what happens if an unexpected expense arises and someone faces eviction or losing utilities? KTNA’s Phillip Manning spoke with a charity that is here to help in those circumstances.
Upper Valley residents take care of each other. Whether it’s fire, flood, illness, or any number of other crises that impact families, it seems there’s always someone willing to pitch in. Now, a charity from the Lower Valley is also offering help for people who face the possibility homelessness due to unforeseen circumstances.
“We offer paying part of the utilities–part or all–and the same thing with rent…first month’s rent or eviction prevention rent assistance.”
That’s John Rozzi, CEO of Valley Charities. For the last three years, Valley Charities has used grant funding from the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to help people in danger of becoming homeless. Rozzi says that the program is designed for individuals or families who are facing temporary circumstances that could force them out of their homes.
“The focus is to prevent homelessness and help them bridge a gap between their situation–their issue–and becoming sustainable.”
In addition to helping with rent and utilities, Valley Charities can help put people in contact with employment services and other organizations that might be able to help.
In the Upper Valley, the program is utilizing the Talkeetna Sunshine Clinic and the Willow United Methodist Church one or two days per month. Outside of those days, there are representatives in Meadow Lakes, but John Rozzi recommends calling before making the drive.
“It doesn’t make sense for people to have to spend money to try to get money to assist them, paying the gas money to get to Meadow Lakes when they’re trying to get the funds to help them with an eviction or with a utility payment, something that will help them get back on their feet.”
John Rozzi says that Valley Charities is trying to get more outreach to let people know they are available to help.
“We feel that there are folks in the upper areas that need help, but don’t know that we’re around, and that’s why we’re set up in the Sunshine Clinic.”
For some, experiencing financial difficulty is embarrassing. John Rozzi says that the goal of the Neighbor to Neighbor program is to treat those who need help with dignity.
“We work very hard to make sure that the folks are treated with respect, and that they feel their information is confidential. That’s why we meet in rooms that are very secure, that are not part of a public area.”
In the future, Valley Charities is considering expanding its presence at the Sunshine Clinic to two days per month.
Adam Pollock, case manager for the Upper Valley, can be reached at 354-4660.
