Maintaining our connections and hope amid COVID-19 isolation
Opinion Piece by Lisa Aquino published by ADN on March 23, 2020 These are challenging days, but it is during this time we must find the drive in our spirit and the love in our hearts to reach out. We are connected, and we can stay connected through COVID-19 or anything else that may come….
Let us continue to pray for and support families in need
“It is how we live out our journeys and how we treat the people we meet that has the potential to transform our world,” said Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
We’re Still Here
The recent state budget cuts have proven difficult for local non-profits. The good news is that we’re still here.
A letter to our Alaska community
We are reaching out to you in faith and solidarity, because the values we share as a community, and as Alaskans, bond us together. Only together can we find a solution to the situation we are all in now.
Remembering the Tree of Life Synagogue
In the last few days, I have been mourning the loss of life at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Honestly, I cannot stop thinking about the loss of those individuals, practicing their faith, living their beliefs peacefully and then being killed for that belief. As people of faith, to see any sacred practice…
Charlie Elder House Transition
We are honored and excited to announce that as of October 15, 2018, Charlie Elder House will be transitioned to our partner, Covenant House Alaska. As partners dedicated to serving people who are vulnerable in our community, Catholic Social Services believes Covenant House Alaska will be a wonderful partner to lead Charlie Elder House –…
Haircuts and Hope
On August 31, I had the opportunity to meet Jierum, an amazing volunteer and a client at Anchorage Community Mental Health Services. Jierum was at Brother Francis Shelter, giving haircuts to people in the shelter. He was with his friend, Ret. Judge Stephanie Rhoades, who is a Board Member of Anchorage Community Mental Health. They…
Proposed ordinance to fine nonprofits with excessive 911 calls
84% of emergency services costs at Brother Francis Shelter come from you in the community Brother Francis Shelter is full almost every day of the year—some days serving beyond ideal limits of 300 plus to help those who need a home and hope. We are working with the entire community to seek new models, partnerships…
City seeks new emergency cold weather shelter locations for the homeless
Up to 240 men and women experiencing homelessness seek shelter and a warm meal at Brother Francis Shelter every night of the year. Catholic Social Services is working with Bean’s Cafe, Downtown Hope Center and community partners to help establish other shelter options—there is simply not enough shelter at this time. We want to support our…
The Feast of Saint Francis
On the Feast of Saint Francis, we are reminded of the poor and the vulnerable. St. Francis took a vow of poverty and lived with, and served, the poorest in his community. They were sick and undesirable in so many ways, but he put aside his fear and lived out his calling. In our day,…