Thanks to those assisting people with housing needs

I would like to thank the local businesses, 40 individual donors and 15 volunteers who made it possible to recognize those who work on the front lines of our homeless and housing issues every day with joyful holiday gift bags filled with treats. 

During the recent dismantling of the Teal Street camp, the ramping up of the warming shelter and the need for 24/7 shelter during the deep freeze, I noticed just how many people have been dealing with this complex issue — from providing basic shelter, food and clothing, to long-term safe housing, frontline medical and mental health support, family security, job training and so much more. I started making calls and was surprised at how many organizations — government, nonprofit organizations, churches and just people showing up, are pitching in every day. I also noticed many of the non profit employees do not receive large salaries and their work behind the scenes goes unnoticed. One woman said to me, "Thank you for seeing us."  

A special shout out to Mark Kelley who donated ninety gorgeous 2026 calendars, Goldtown Nickelodeon with theater tickets and popcorn, Pucker Wilson's and Harbor Tea and Spice with discounts for their goods. We also used the donations to buy local coffee cards and Costco deals. A talented volunteer designed a beautiful card that was attached to every bag.  We used the Juneau public library facilities to pack the gifts on Tuesday. 

We know we may have missed some people, but we delivered more than 90 bags and gift baskets to Housing First (Forget Me Not Manor and the Glory Hall), St. Vincent de Pauls (the Warming Shelter, family housing, clothing, and so much more) , Family Promise, AWARE Shelter, SEARHC Front Street Clinic and the CBJ Mobile Medical Health Unit in Auke Bay. (And yes, I am still trying to find which CBJ bus drivers are driving nights to transport people to the warming shelter on Thane!)

Of course this modest gesture did not solve the issue at hand.  But I think the outpouring of support demonstrates that many people want to acknowledge that we can do better at 'seeing' what is happening in our town, reach out in small ways to show our appreciation for herculean efforts being made by those working every day in challenging situations, and become more engaged as we invest in what seems to be sorely lacking these days--- kindness, listening, and awareness.  As one volunteer texted me today, "Goodness in the world exists everywhere. 'Project Gift Bags' reminded me of that."

Claire Richardson

Volunteer, ReSisters