The Ben Boeke, not the Sullivan...
Actually, both.
https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anc...ss-as-city-braces-for-coronavirus-cases/The city is preparing to convert Sullivan Arena into a mass shelter for the homeless as Anchorage braces for a possible onslaught of novel coronavirus cases.
The 32,000-square-foot arena, as well as the adjacent Ben Boeke Ice Arena, are both owned by the Municipality of Anchorage. They will give the homeless a place to sleep at least 6 feet apart, wash up and eat meals. The goal is to help slow down the rate of COVID-19 transmission in Alaska’s biggest city. Doors are expected to open by week’s end, according to the city’s top real estate and economic development official.
Officials chose Ben Boeke over the weekend as the best option for an emergency homeless shelter. Their hope is to alleviate extreme crowding at the Brother Francis Shelter, where many of the 240 clients sleep mat to mat, creating the potential for disease sharing. Health experts say COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus, spreads mainly person to person through individuals who are in close contact.
Workers at Ben Boeke were seen Monday morning removing candy machines as they convert the ice arena into a shelter.
As the COVID-19 crisis grew over the weekend, the city began to rethink its calculations at Ben Boeke, realizing it needed more space. It also followed new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that 6, rather than 3, feet of space is needed between cots or mats at shelters, said Chris Schutte, Anchorage’s director of economic and community development.
