News

One man’s journey from Puerto Rico to Brother Francis Shelter

“These people, from the time I came here – they have opened doors for me, they are very nice with me.” – Daniel, commenting on his stay at Brother Francis Shelter. Daniel came to Alaska this spring, hauling a trailer, food service know-how, and plenty of hope. He had completed the last leg of a…

Ending Homelessness

A Young Family Builds Hope through Financial Stability

“There was housing, they made sure I was in a safe environment, they checked in on my mental health – if I needed clothing or any necessities they were very, very generous with the things they provided.” – Kahlee, a former guest, after her stay at Clare House. Kahlee and her little boy, Atticus, fell…

News

Health and Wellbeing Through Art

Sister Lucia believes the beauty of art is only half the reward; the other half is tending to the human spirit. By encouraging guests to pick up a pencil or brush and begin creating, Sister Lucia has initiated a healing journey for many of the guests at Brother Francis Shelter, Complex Care, and Clare House….

News

Providing Stability to new neighbors through family mentorship

Permanent stability is more than providing basic needs. A focus on long-term needs social and emotional wellbeing through programs like RAIS Family Mentorship provides clients the tools and resources to thrive in their new home. In FY22, RAIS helped to resettle 276 new arrivals – the majority of which arrived from Ukraine or Afghanistan. Thanks…

Ending Homelessness

A Rapid Rehousing Success Story

Contributed by Michael Hollinger, Case Manager at Brother Francis Shelter “I know all these mountains just by looking at them,” my client tells me as we drive to see a potential apartment through Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA). “Where to make shelter. Where to survive.”   I enjoy listening to him share about growing up in…

News

We’re moving!

Catholic Social Services is moving its main office to 4600 Debarr Road, effective late March and early April. With your help, Catholic Social Services has seen tremendous growth over the last few years in the services we’re able to provide to our neighbors in need and strengthen our community. To support this growth, we need…

Stories of Hope

Beyond ballet: music, memories, and motivation at The Nutcracker

This past December, a group of guests at Brother Francis Shelter had the opportunity to attend The Nutcracker at Atwood Hall – an event which left a lasting impression on many of those who attended. One guest in particular saw the importance of the event for his fellow guests from the very beginning. LaVont worked…