“Veteran One Stop” offered housing options and necessities to former military personnel

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) -Veterans were able to access basic necessities and housing solutions at “Veteran One Stop,” held at Stone Soup garden Saturday afternoon.

Alaska has the highest concentration of former military personnel with 70,000 veterans counted here at the last Census.

This number reflects the fact that veterans tend to cluster near military bases, and also may enjoy the untamed wilderness, un-matched hunting and fishing locations, and secure jobs.

Today the Red Cross and the Fairbanks Rescue Mission were on location to provide basic hygiene items, and help with housing issues.

The Grant Per Diem Case Manager at The Fairbanks Rescue Mission, Jason Patzke, said he was there to help address any veterans, and even non-veterans, who are homeless or in danger of being homeless.

Patzke said having a “Veteran One Stop” helps take away frustration from having to go to multiple places across town.

“These events are important here because veterans themselves might be living in an outlying area,” Patzke said. “We have folks coming from Nenana, we have folks come down from Tok, so by having everything all together at the same time, they’ll be able to get what they need all at once.”

While the group hasn’t pinpointed an exact date, they do expect to host another “Veteran One Stop” next month.

Copyright 2020 KTVF. All rights reserved.