What's Killing Alaska's Homeless?

Since the spring, twelve homeless people living outdoors in Anchorage, Alaska have mysteriously turned up dead. The unusual string of deaths has alarmed street people and advocates and highlights the dangers of living without a home. But the question remains: What is killing Alaska's homeless? While conspiracy theories about the causes of these deaths abound, others blame it on a combination of alcohol, violence, and weather.

The state medical examiner says that the cause of death is pretty clear for several deceased. One man was hit by a car, another was beaten to death. Two others died from hypothermia and drowning.  Many authorities believe alcoholism was a major factor in all of these deaths. This, in turn, is leading many of those living on the streets to believe that someone is distributing poisoned alcohol to the area's homeless.

Still, the fact remains: the only confirmed commonality between the deaths of Anchorage's homeless is that each of the victims was living outdoors without a permanent home at the time of their death. As one advocate told the Anchorage Daily News, many of these deaths are due to the "cumulative effect of years of living in unsafe conditions." Sad, but probably true.

The long-term solution here is obvious: safe, supportive housing. But what's the short-term solution here? Are wet shelters the answer? Additional street outreach? In light of these deaths, how can Anchorage authorities protect those living on the street?