Dear Mr. Johnson,
I have spoken with you several times about my vision for a transitional living area in Eklutna for homeless veterans in the Anchorage area that I am calling Vet City. This group in many cases is trying managing issues with additions, poverty, lack of employment, depression, and isolation from the community on a daily basis. Many of these men and women dedicated their time and prime of their life to defending our country and deserve more than what they are receiving right now from the social service programs that are in already in place. These programs do their best, but due to gaps in funding, overall cuts in funding, and the many restrictions that policy places on support systems they can be difficult for vets to access and easy to get thrown out of.
This project will provide temporary housing to vets. This housing will not necessarily be the ideal permanent housing solution for veterans, but intended to be. It provides a stable environment and a place to stay other than a tent while clients work to increase their self-esteem and form new healthy habits. We will work with other programs to provide training, so veterans can work toward reintegrating with their community. These are not intended to be permanent nor give residents the feeling of permanence. This is an opportunity for a second chance for vets who have fallen through the cracks.
There are many pieces that need to be put in place to make this a reality for veterans and I am hoping to start work on this project with you. The land that you are selling in Eklutna is an ideal place for veterans to call home. It is accessible via the People Mover Bus System to the entire Municipality of Anchorage. The sad truth is that many people in the community say they want to help our veterans, but no one wants them in their neighborhood or steps up to the plate to assist with housing first. This land also is close to major roadways which allows easy access public safety officers and increases the veterans access to the community.
I am writing this letter to let you know more about Vet City and to get confirm that you are interested in being involved in this project long term. From our conversations I understand that you not only possess a valuable resource, but are also interested in supporting our veterans that have fallen through the cracks. Would you be interested in partnering with me and other community members on a planning group to work to make Vet City a reality as we sort out the details and work gain additional funding. The end goal is to purchase your property in Eklutna. Please send me a response in writing so I can start building this planning group and ensure that you receive all the information and you input is part of the solution. Helping our Homeless Veterans is the Human thing to do.
Sincerely,
CK McKellar
Vet City Inc.
"Where No Vet is left behind"
I have spoken with you several times about my vision for a transitional living area in Eklutna for homeless veterans in the Anchorage area that I am calling Vet City. This group in many cases is trying managing issues with additions, poverty, lack of employment, depression, and isolation from the community on a daily basis. Many of these men and women dedicated their time and prime of their life to defending our country and deserve more than what they are receiving right now from the social service programs that are in already in place. These programs do their best, but due to gaps in funding, overall cuts in funding, and the many restrictions that policy places on support systems they can be difficult for vets to access and easy to get thrown out of.