Human Services Safety Links Program
The purpose of the Human Services Safety Links Program is to develop and maintain community prevention and intervention systems which provide collaborative and multi-disciplinary strategies, education, and planning in the areas of substance abuse in high risk populations, homelessness, and near-homelessness. (907) 343-6589.
Emergency Services
Funded by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Emergency Services Project provides services and emergency financial assistance to homeless and near-homeless individuals and families. One-time assistance to qualifying people for rental deposits, rental, or utility assistance is provided through Emergency Services. (907) 343-6589/4694. Community Resource List (88.0 kb, PDF, updated 4/28/08)
Homelessness
Based on eligibility requirements, the Links Program distributes funds for the homeless/near-homeless, including homeless prevention and essential services. The Program also coordinates the "Link Project," which provides case management services to the homeless and is augmented by a computer system. LINK case management contractors include Abused Women's Aid in Crisis (AWAIC), Moving Forward Program and Catholic Social Services' Beyond Shelter Program. This portion of the program also hosts the monthly Homeless Services Forum. Call (907)343-6535/6592 to get on the mailing roster.
Homeless Management Information System Project (HMIS)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care Grant, HMIS Project hosts a web-based computerized case management data system for twelve local emergency homeless shelters, transitional housing providers and permanent supportive housing providers. The HMIS computerized data collection is designed to capture client level information over time on the characteristics and service needs of men, women and children experiencing homelessness.
HMIS Project also provides monies to Abused Women’s Aid In Crisis (AWAIC) Moving Forward Program (MFP). MFP provides six-month case management and direct client assistance for rental and utility assistance, child care costs, transportation, education, job training, mental health and health care assistance for people who hare homeless due to domestic violence. (907) 343-6589.
Interpersonal Violence
Working in tandem with the Mayor's Community Action Plan, the Safety Links Program created the Interpersonal Violence Community Task Force to plan strategies and implement projects with the community. These projects encompass prevention and intervention in the areas of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, homicide and youth violence. The Interpersonal Violence Prevention Task Force meets quarterly. If you are interested in becoming a member of the task force or would like to attend a task force meeting please contact the Interpersonal Violence Prevention Coordinator at (907) 343-6589.
Sexual Assault
The Safety Links program has developed various prevention and intervention materials, including a booklet that is distributed by provider agencies, including law enforcement, courts, and advocate agencies. The sexual assault booklet, "Because We Care About You..." is available for local distribution. The sexual assault booklet ( Porque Nos Preocupamos Por Usted!) is also available in Spanish. See Interpersonal Violence. Call 343-6589 for information or questions.
Domestic Violence
The Safety Links program has developed various prevention and intervention materials, including a booklet distributed by several provider agencies, including law enforcement, courts and advocate agencies. The booklet, "If Someone You Love or Care About is Hurting You..." is also available in Spanish. Both are obtainable for local distribution. Also attainable are written materials on Teen Dating Violence. See also, Interpersonal Violence. Call 343-6302 for information or questions.
Domestic Violence Study(.pdf)
Child Abuse and Neglect
The Safety Links program works closely with several agencies and has a working relationship with the Anchorage School District. In the area of prevention, the Program's Case Consultation Team works with the school district to identify the needs of high risk elementary school children and provide referrals. The Safety Links Program has prevention and intervention materials that are distributed in the community. See also Interpersonal Violence. Call 343-6589 for information or questions.
Teen Dating Violence
Available program resouces include a series of materials for teen dating violence. Brochures address teens talking to teens, safety in violent relationships, adults talking to teens, and what to look for in a healthy relationship.
Pathways to Sobriety II
Funded by the U.S. Bureau of Justice, U.S. HUD and AMFC, the Pathways to Sobriety program’s purpose is to provide an opportunity for members of the community that suffer from substance abuse to become sober, self-sufficient members of the community by offering case management from the initial decision to seek sobriety, through detoxification, treatment, seeking housing and financial independence through employment.
This project continues the previous Pathways to Sobriety I which was funded by SAMHSA since 2002. The case management is provided by Anchorage Community Mental Health Services and can include services to veterans and those with a dual diagnosis. The most frequent visitors to the City’s Transfer Station are the primary targets of this project. (907) 343-6589.