2023
Catholic organizations respond to Alaska’s homelessness dilemma, The North Star Catholic, May 2023
Seniors are flooding homeless shelters that can’t care for them, The Washington Post, May 2023
‘Like a balm for the soul’: Ukrainians on an Anchorage soccer team find a sense of home, Anchorage Daily News, May 2023
Influx of Ukrainian refugees prompts state to relaunch job placement office, Anchorage Daily News, April 2023
Providence Alaska’s training opens doors for refugees, Catholic Health World, April 2023
Navigating the streets of Anchorage by wheelchair is punishing — never more than this winter, Anchorage Daily News, March 2023
Third Avenue Navigation Center open for business, FOX 19 Cincinnati, March 2023
Third Avenue Navigation Center open for business, WBRC FOX6, March 2023
Anchorage, AK: A Model for the US in Ending Homelessness, Informed Insight, February 2023
A new resource center for people experiencing homelessness is opening in Anchorage, Alaska Public Media, February 2023
New homeless resource center will open next month, Anchorage Daily News, January 2023
2022
Unrelenting in winter, frostbite poses a life-changing threat to homeless Alaskans, Anchorage Daily News, December 2022
Anchorage Assembly overrides Bronson budget vetoes, restoring funds to Brother Francis shelter, Alaska Public Media, December 2022
Anchorage Assembly overrides Mayor Bronson’s veto of $1.2 million for Brother Francis shelter, Anchorage Daily News, December 2022
Anchorage Assembly approves $587 million city budget, Anchorage Daily News, November 2022
Community Gardens Feed Communities, Catholic Charities USA, November 2022
USDA Announces More Than $71 Million to Support Underserved Communities, USDA, October 2022
Catholic Social Services Alaska, UAF receive new grant funding from USDA, KINY Radio, October 2022c
From Iran to Alaska, godson and godmother weigh in on current global protests, KTOO, October 2022
More than 300 Ukrainians have come to Alaska since the war began, Alaska Public Media, October 2022
Anchorage task force urges city to use Golden Lion Hotel and Dempsey Anderson Ice Arena for emergency homeless shelters, Anchorage Daily News, September 2022
Anchorage Mayor Bronson outlines emergency winter homeless shelter proposal, says he will work with Assembly on plan, Anchorage Daily News, August 2022
Amid Anchorage’s homelessness upheaval, a new shelter quietly rushed to house dozens of vulnerable people, Anchorage Daily News, August 2022
After no-show from Bronson officials at homelessness meeting, Anchorage Assembly takes action on its own winter shelter plan, Anchorage Daily News, August 2022
Assembly directs $11.8 million in federal relief toward possible Anchorage hotel purchase for low-income housing, Anchorage Daily News, August 2022
International conflicts drive increase in refugees, others arriving in Alaska, Alaska Public Media, July 2022
No place to go: Anchorage’s homeless shelter capacity has been pushed to the brink, Anchorage Daily News, July 2022
Salvation Army moves families at Centennial Campground to Anchorage shelters, Alaska Public Media, July 2022
Anchorage Assembly puts more than $7 million toward sheltering and housing initiatives, Alaska Public Media, July 2022
Is Anchorage’s sanctioned campground part of homeless response? Bronson officials say no, creating gap in responsibility, Anchorage Daily News, July 2022
Many Alaskans are struggling to afford food right now. Here’s how you can help., Anchorage Daily News, July 2022
As Anchorage phases out its main homeless shelter, providers fear a surge in campers, Alaska Public Media, June 2022
Food aid groups in Alaska say need is approaching early pandemic levels as relief money ends and prices rise, Anchorage Daily News, June 2022
Municipality of Anchorage will close Sullivan Arena shelter June 30, Anchorage Daily News, June 2022
Humanitarian flights will bring 600 Ukrainians to Alaska, Anchorage Press, May 2022
Refugees from Ukraine could be placed in Alaska communities where they have family ties, Alaska Public Media, April 2022
‘Gut wrenching’: Alaskans with roots in Ukraine grapple with war in their homeland, Anchorage Daily News, February 2022
A new Anchorage resident left Afghanistan after years assisting U.S. military. Now he’s helping others resettle in Alaska., Anchorag Daily News, January 2022
Community helps Afghan evacuees feel at home, North Star Catholic, January 2022
2021
Congress failed to extend child tax credit expansion, but Murkowski says she’s open to negotiations, Anchorage Daily News, December 2021
At Anchorage’s shelter for moms and kids, community support is key, Anchorage Daily News, November 2021
Clare House shelter gets matching grant to double donations, Alaska’s News Source, November 2021
Catholic Social Services’ leader reflects on accomplishments, North Star Catholic, November 2021
Anchorage’s homelessness director resigns. No clear path for unhoused families this winter, Anchorage Press, November 2021
Smaller homeless facilities are better for all, Anchorage Daily News, October 2021
Army Veteran finds employment and housing in months thanks to HUD-VASH, VA Blog, October 2021
‘This is something that unites us all’: Alaskans help refugees resettle, Juneau Empire, October 2021
Deadline to apply for rental and utility relief is Friday, Alaska News Source, September 2021
Anchorage prepares to welcome Afghan refugees, Alaska’s News Source, September 2021
50-100 Afghan evacuees expected in Alaska, beginning later this month, WebCenter Fairbanks, September 2021
Afghan refugees to make their way to Alaska, Peninsula Clarion, September 2021
Up to 100 Afghan refugees to be resettled in Alaska through March, Anchorage Daily News, September 2021
50-100 Afghan evacuees expected in Alaska, beginning later this month, Alaska News Source, September 2021
Afghan refugees heading to Anchorage, Must Read Alaska, September 2021
Dozens of Afghan refugees headed for Alaska resettlement, Seattle Times, September 2021
Up to 100 Afghanistan evacuees to settle in Alaska, Alaska Public Media, September 2021
Houseless shelter situation yet to be resolved; Working group confident with the future, Alaska News Source, September 2021
Catholic Social Services says food pantry in need of donations, Alaska News Source, August 2021
Bronson administration hires controversial former Trump ‘homelessness czar’ as consultant, Anchorage Daily News, August 2021
In search of the prescription for homelessness in Anchorage, Anchorage Daily News, August 2021
At Anchorage farm, refugees in Alaska gain training and economic opportunity, Alaska Public Media, July 2021
Grow North Farm stand opens for the season in Mountain View, Anchorage Daily News, June 2021
Bronson homeless plan begins to emerge, including possibility of a large temporary shelter in East Anchorage, Anchorage Daily News, June 2021
Anchorage Assembly postpones vote on ordinances expanding where shelters can be located, requiring licenses, Alaska News Source, June 2021
Some Anchorage homeless providers harbor concerns over Assembly’s proposal for licensing shelters, Anchorage Daily News, June 2021
Anchorage bundles up ahead of late season winter storm, Alaska News Source, April 2021
Proposed change to Anchorage land use code becomes focus of debate over future of homeless shelters, Anchorage Daily News, April 2021
At Anchorage’s Brother Francis Shelter, a COVID-19 vaccine clinic is a cause for hope, Anchorage Daily News, March 2021
More than half of Brother Francis guests will be fully vaccinated by next week, Alaska Public Media, March 2021
Efforts to retain SNAP benefits continue, Alaska News Source, March 2021
2020
Checks of $600 are likely, aid to states is not as Congress negotiates pandemic relief bill, Alaska Public Media, December 2020
Catholic service organizations and parishes prepare for the season of giving during a pandemic, The North Star Catholic, December 2020
Brother Francis Shelter says no guests have tested positive for COVID-19 since early September, Alaska News Source, October 2020
With funding from Amazon, Catholic Social Services launches effort to end family homelessness in Anchorage, Anchorage Daily News, October 2020
After dangerous code violations, Anchorage hotel abruptly shuts, leaving guests on the streets, Anchorage Daily News, October 2020
Catholic Social Services uses $5 million grant to help homeless families, Alaska News Source, October 2020
Support needed during Hunger Action Month, Alaska’s News Source, September 2020
As Anchorage struggles with homelessness, outdoor deaths occur regularly – but with little public notice, ADN, September 2020
After influx of coronavirus cases, Anchorage shelter implements changes, Alaska’s News Source, September 2020
New cases of COVID-19 detected at Brother Francis Shelter, ADN, August 2020
Celebrating Alaskans on the Front Lines of the COVID-19 Pandemic, ADN, August 2020
As extra unemployment runs out, Food Bank of Alaska braces for elevated need to grow, KSKA, July 2020
Assisting Veterans in need, Catholic Anchor, July 2020
Alaska food pantries see a drop in demand but worry as pandemic benefits set to sunset, KTUU, June 2020
Housing Alaska’s Homeless, Readers Digest, June 2020
Produce selling season gets underway at Mountain View’s urban farm, Anchorage Daily News, June 2020
After pandemic forced changes, East 3rd Ave has cleaned up. Businesses and shelters are loving it, Alaska Public Media, June 15, 2020
Volunteers are key to the success of CSS, Catholic Anchor, June 2020
Catholic Social Services finds new ways to support the vulnerable, Catholic Anchor, June 2020
Community food resources feel the strain during COVID-19 pandemic, KTUU, April 2020
Isolation and quarantine centers identified for Anchorage’s sheltered population, Anchorage Daily News, April 2020
As virus spreads, homeless take shelter at Anchorage arenas, Anchorage Daily News, March 2020
Demand at Anchorage food pantries grows as coronavirus pandemic spreads, Anchorage Daily News, March 2020
Coronavirus pandemic poses stark threat to homeless population, American Magazine, March 2020
Anchorage officials eye ice arena as emergency homeless shelter as they brace for coronavirus impact, Anchorage Daily News, March 2020
Municipality says Ben Boeke is the best choice for a temporary homeless shelter, KTUU, March 2020
Anchorage homeless services brace for spread of coronavirus, Anchorage Daily News, March 2020
Growing into the Neighborhood, Edible Alaska, February 2020
Catholic Social Services program will help domestic violence victims find housing, KTVA, January 2020
Alaska will continue to accept refugees, Dunleavy says, Anchorage Daily News, January 2020
2019
Volunteers at Bean’s Cafe, Brother Francis Shelter serve meals for homeless on Christmas, KTVA, December 2019
Grant to Catholic Social Services could dramatically reduce family homelessness, KTUU, November 2019
Catholic Social Services gets $5M grant to help homeless Anchorage families, KTVA, November 2019
Anchorage nonprofit gets $5M grant from fund backed by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos to help homeless families, Anchorage Daily News, November 2019
Homeless resources find footing after governor’s vetoes, KTUU, November 2019
As Anchorage grapples with homelessness, ConocoPhillips grants $150k to community housing program, Alaska Public Media, November 2019
Grant money helps local families turn the key to better futures, KTVA, November 2019
$150,000 grant will help move 10 Anchorage families permanent homes , KTUU, November 2019
Private donors warn state not to cut homelessness funding after $40 million donation, KTUU, October 2019
Path to Independence program a success after first year, KTUU, October 2019
We intent to succeed: $40M investment pledged to reduce homelessness in Anchorage, Anchorage Daily News, September 2019
‘We feel the struggle’. Non-profits shrink to keep homeless sheltered, Alaska Public Media, August 2019
To bolster financial options for refugees, a state program works to get them into farming, Alaska Public Media, August 2019
Capital budget vetoes leave gap for homeless services in Anchorage, Anchorage Daily News, August 2019
Urban farm gives way to skills-building – and income – in Mountain View, Anchorage Daily News, August 2019
With Legislature adjourned, groups turn lobbying focus on Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Anchorage Daily News, August 2019
Assembly authorizes $400,000 for Brother Francis to operate at full capacity, KTVA, July 2019
Anchorage Assembly votes to extend emergency declaration, fund Brother Francis Shelter, Anchorage Daily News, July 2019
Dunleavy budget vetoes will mean a sharp increase in people living in camps and cars, service providers say, Anchorage Daily News, July 2019
Brother Francis to close in early August, then reopen at reduced capacity, KTUU, July 2019
Anchorage’s biggest homeless shelter closes for the day, braces for drastic budget cuts, Anchorage Daily News, July 2019
Who are the 100? If the budget vetoes stand, Anchorage shelter says it must choose who stays and who leaves, Alaska Public Media, July 2019
Brother Francis Shelter loses daytime services amid worries about cutbacks at night, KTVA, July 2019
Alaskans rally to support homeless services, KTVA, July 2019
Alaska state budget vetoes cut homeless shelters, services, Alaska Public Media, July 2019
Mayor Berkowitz voices disapproval of Dunleavy’s vetoes, KTUU, June 2019
City plans changes to stretch of Third Avenue where woman was fatally struck by pickup, Anchorage Daily News, March 2019
2019 Athena inductees and honorees, Anchorage Athena Society, February 2019
Cuts to homeless services in Dunleavy budget would displace hundreds of vulnerable people, providers say, Anchorage Daily News, February 2019
Not-for-profit, for-the-economy, Alaska Business Monthly, February 2019
Aggressive fundraising campaign generates millions annually for Alaska nonprofits, Anchorage Daily News, January 2019
Life is good for Anchorage volunteers, Anchorage Good News, January 2019
2018
Did you know? Over 1,000 people experience homelessness in Anchorage any given night, Storyknife: Calista Corporation Newsletter, December 2018
They receive a profound gift from those who have nothing, Anchorage Daily News, December 2018
Local runners give Christmas joy, Anchorage Good News, December 2018
A career in community service: School of Social Work professor Tracey Burke tackles food security in Anchorage, UAA Alumni Spirit, December 2018
‘Major’ damage to Anchorage area after severe 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Alaska, The Washington Post, November 2018
Spa day at Brother Francis Shelter, The Anchorage Press, November 2018
Catholic Social Services receives $100K Wells Fargo grant, Alaska Business, October 2018
How health care, taxis and training helped cut the number of emergency calls around the Anchorage homeless shelter, Anchorage Daily News, October 2018
In Anchorage forum, candidates for governor each get 60 seconds to say what sets them apart, Anchorage Daily News, September 2018
Refugee students backpacking Denali as part of brand new program, The Anchorage Press, July 2018
Refugees helping to bring more fresh food to the far north, Next City, July 2018
These refugees had nothing, but they gave her back her life, Anchorage Daily News, April 2018
At an Anchorage homeless shelter, an unexpected birth, Anchorage Daily News, February 2018
‘Doing my part’: Housing assistance helps couple feel like members of the community, Providence Health & Services, January 2018
2017
With an eye on summer markets, classes teach Anchorage refugees pickling, fermentation, Anchorage Daily News, December 2017
How some of Anchorage’s most vulnerable homeless people are finally finding homes, Alaska Dispatch News, November 2017
Mountain View: A place for all people, Edible Alaska, October 2017
Meeting Anchorage’s homeless ‘where they are,’ Catholic Anchor, October 2017
Pray for the hungry, then offer them food, Catholic Anchor, September 2017
Saved from the streets, Anchorage man shows mercy to homeless, Catholic Anchor, August 2017
Housing program helps families find stability, independence, Providence Alaska, August 2017
Mountain View, APU farmers markets open this week, Alaska Dispatch News, June 2017
World Refugee Day is celebrated at Anchorage’s Mountain View Street Fair, Alaska Dispatch News, June 2017
A refugee uses her years in Alaska to help new arrivals, Alaska Dispatch News, March 2017
Alaska’s only refugee resettlement group grapples with uncertainty, Alaska Dispatch News, February 2017
I was a stranger and you welcomed me, The Anchorage Press, February 2017
Anchorage vigil draws hundreds in support of immigrants, Alaska Dispatch News, February 2017
2016
Starting over, The Anchorage Press, December 2016
Homeless in Alaska: Life and death on the freezing streets, The Guardian, December 2016
A helping hand, The Anchorage Press, November 2016
With temperature falling and need rising, shelters turn some homeless away, Alaska Dispatch News, November 2016
Holiday season got you in a volunteering mood? Here are places that could use help, Alaska Dispatch News, November 2016
Brother Francis Shelter honors co-founders, Catholic Anchor, October 2016
Brother Francis Shelter, marking 35 years of caring, pauses to remember its beginnings, Alaska Dispatch News, September 2016
Homeless shelter at capacity as evictions from camps continue, Alaska Dispatch News, July 2016
In Mountain View, a farmers market grows a spirit of inclusiveness, Alaska Dispatch News, July 2016
Alaska nonprofits try to do more with less amid oil slump, economic uncertainty, Alaska Dispatch News, May 2016
Anchorage high schoolers learn gardening and giving through ‘Green Thumb Project,’ Alaska Dispatch News, April 2016
Chris Thompson: If you don’t already observe Lent, consider giving these activities a try, Alaska Dispatch News, February 2016
2015
Many ways to remember Brother Francis Shelter this season, Alaska Dispatch News, December 2015
City, state leaders vow at vigil to help Anchorage homeless, Alaska Dispatch News, October 2015
Top Pick.Click.Give. earners serve a variety of Alaska’s needs, Alaska Dispatch News, October 2015
Growing food in Alaska-RAIS Garden, American Community Gardening Association, August 2015
Most diverse place in America? It’s not what you think, CNN, June 2015
The game’s a common language: Anchorage’s prep soccer teams reflect city’s diversity, Alaska Dispatch News, May 2015
Prince William Sound harvesters share catch with homeless, Cordova Times, May 2015
BP’s Ashby coaches from the heart, BP, February 2015
Looking ahead to Lenten partnerships, Catholic Anchor, February 2015
Gov. Walker restores funds for Alaska’s homeless in proposed budget, Catholic Anchor, February 2015
Alaska’s Catholic Social Services welcomes new executive director, Lisa DH Aquino, Catholic Anchor, January 2015
Archived Stories
High schooler uses ski race to memorialize former teacher, Alaska Dispatch News, December 2014
Helping refugees toward a new, safer life in Anchorage, UAA Office of University Advancement, October 2014
Kids who learned soccer in refugee camps team up here, Anchorage Daily News, July 2011
Return to CSS in the Media