University of Alaska, Anchorage shelter prepare for cuts

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – State budget cuts have University of Alaska officials anticipating the possibility of program and staff reductions, while Anchorage’s largest homeless shelter will cut its hours.

The Anchorage Daily News reported Saturday that the university Board of Regents will decide Monday whether to take the uncommon step of declaring “financial exigency.”

The declaration will allow officials to more quickly discontinue programs and academic units and remove tenured faculty.

The newspaper also reported Friday that a lack of funding is forcing the Brother Francis Shelter in downtown Anchorage to turn people away.

Beginning Tuesday, the shelter will be closed during the day to anyone who is not staying there or involved in its medical respite program.

Shelter officials say the front bathrooms and medical clinic will remain open.