No Limits Program Executive Director Roscoe Britton walks through the organization’s warming center on Romans Way. It’s basically a basement studio apartment.
“Kitchen they can utilize. We've got right now we've got one computer. I've got more on the way and they can sit down here and they can watch TV. Just relax, read a book, play games.”
There are also showers, coffee and sandwiches, and its open 24-7.
“Individuals that don't have anywhere to go at night, they can come to the warming center and for the last two weeks we've probably had an average of six individuals doing that.”
Britton says clients often show up in the morning after eating at the Breadline’s café, or sleeping in the woods or under bridges, and he’s concerned about not having enough room.
“It gets crowded, and we haven't had that problem yet, but I foresee it because I'm starting to see more and more people come to utilize it during the day.”
Britton aims to prevent people blocked from other local programs, from freezing to death. He emphasizes that there’s no judgement, and no barriers to visiting the warming center.
“So how do you help people? You get them in first, then you can talk to them. You can figure out the rest.”
Britton says between the warming center and a transitional re-entry program No Limits operates, there are currently 37 folks being served. He says some have Medicaid or insurance but most lack a steady income, and donations are appreciated.
“Um, but yeah, we take donations of everything, especially for the warming center. Toilet paper, paper products, coffee. We go through coffee like water. Cream and sugar, socks, gloves, hats, winter gear, boots, bunny boots, mukluks. And that's a big help, especially when winter really gets here.”
Britton, who is part of the Fairbanks Housing and Homeless Coalition, and a board member of the statewide Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, says advocates are working to open more warming centers and a no-barrier resource center in Fairbanks.
