Determining how best to care for Traverse City's homeless population has generated considerable debate in the region over the past year. Yet few of those conversations have included the voices of residents actually experiencing homelessness. In this week's Northern Express – sister publication of The Ticker – investigative reporter Patrick Sullivan goes inside Traverse City's first wet house, Dann's House, to talk with four residents about their experiences and struggles to transition off the streets.

“It's really about the evolution of a group living situation,” says Anthony Ciccone of Dann's House, a monitored facility that provides private living quarters for six homeless individuals who've experienced chronic alcoholism. Dann's House requires tenants to obey the law and contribute to rent, but does not forbid drinking alcohol – unlike most other homeless shelters. While some have criticized wet houses for “enabling” alcoholism, others have argued they can provide a safe place for individuals who may otherwise fall through the cracks in the system and can reduce jail stays and emergency room visits. When provided with a stable living situation, some residents even decrease or cease their drinking over time.

Resident Fred Buchanan says the tight-knit group at Dann's House often acts as a surrogate family, keeping tabs on and protecting each other. “We try to do what we can for each other,” Buchanan says. “That's better than being on the street, Safe Harbor or jail.” Read more in this week's Northern Express cover story, Go Inside the Wet House.

This week's issue also includes a special profile of the newly expanded Georgina's in downtown Traverse City, a feature story on the Petoskey Paladins Robotics Team, a preview of the upcoming Blissfest Solstice Celebration on December 20 – and much more. Check out the Northern Express online, or pick up a free copy at one of more than 600 distribution spots across 13 counties. And, stay connected throughout the week on Facebook.