SERRC Alaska's Educational Resource Center 210 Ferry Way, Juneau, AK 99801

"Couldn’t think of a better place that helps with second chances."

"Alaskas educational resource!"

"Great place. I started getting services here years ago. This place helps out thousands of people."

"Today I was standing outside before I came into SERRC for my class. 3 homeless people joined my friend and I because the snow was flying and the wind was blowing. These 3 people were not dressed in warm winter gear, so they were seeking shelter from the cold. All three of them asked for a hug. Why not? I thought. Hugs are free, and I know what it's like to be down and out, homeless, with no place to even lie down, not a morsel of food for my growling belly. So, I gave all of them a hug, and it made them smile. My heart was saddened by this experience, because what more could I do? I am poor myself, so had nothing to offer but a hug. When I cam into SERRC, the assistant director of SERRC told one of my instructors to go check these people out to see if they were clients. I was very bothered by this because these people were doing no wrong. All they wanted was a warm spot sheltered from the storm, and were instead looked upon as wrongdoers, because why? Their tattered clothing? Their sad, vacant eyes? It is time to take a stand against judgmental views of the homeless and poor living in Juneau. SERRC, downstairs anyway, is used by a lot of people who seek to further their education and knowledge. I see it as a place that offers guidance and hope, encouragement in the face of despair...why not let that feeling spread in this organization? Let the hungry and homeless seek shelter in the vacant nook outside to get a few moments of warmth, without shooing them away? Not all people on the street are out to damage property. Let your hearts be open to a new perspective, a hope for the homeless. Those of us with more in life should strive to help those with less. Isn't that what we as a human race should live by? An empathetic and compassionate spirit within? Try dressing down one day to the barest minimum of clothing and stand outside, feel the cold whipping against your flimsy, tattered garments, with no food in your stomach, stand in a doorway for a few minutes of warmth before heading out again to find another warm spot. Then, you will know how it feels to be homeless and hungry in Juneau, and you just may feel your empathy come alive once again."