Alaskans Volunteer for Giving Tuesday
Alaskans volunteer for Giving Tuesday via KTUU ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – There’s Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday but perhaps the most important is Giving Tuesday; a global day of giving. And Alaskans give big, and not by just reaching into their pockets. Volunteers are a major part of Catholic Social Services Last…
One Step At A Time
Murray’s Tired Journey Murray, 59-years-old, is a long-time Alaskan. He’s worked all his life. Most recently as a carpet cleaning technician, cleaning businesses and apartment buildings. The pain in his feet became worse three years ago and stairs became his enemy. “It got so bad I had to tell my feet ‘left foot move,’ and…
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…
SNAP Reduces Hunger
ESSENTIAL ROLE IN FOOD SECURITY NETWORK The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is an integral cornerstone of the food security network in Alaska and across the nation. SNAP reduces food insecurity by providing low-income individuals and families who desperately need assistance to purchase food at grocery stores, food outlets and farmers markets. SNAP is extremely…
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…
Spirit of Denali celebrates culture, traditions at Brother Francis Shelter
Original story by Victoria Taylor at KTUU ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – From across the state to one community, guests at the Brother Francis Shelter in downtown Anchorage enjoyed pieces of home, Wednesday. “It’s around community and connection and getting that authentic taste of home,” said Lisa Caldeira, program director with Catholic Social Services. “Many of 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,…
Take Action to End Hunger in Alaska
This month we have been highlighting the essential, selfless work that Food Pantry volunteers have been providing since the beginning of the program. The dedication of St. Francis House Food Pantry volunteers like Pam is invaluable to the operation of the pantry. Pam has donated nearly 3,000 hours to the pantry!! Pam gained professional experience volunteering…
Clare House Play Garden
Catholic Social Services builds safe space for moms and kids at Clare House At Clare House, women with children and expectant mothers experiencing homelessness have mounting worries on their shoulders. They must work to move beyond their current situation and take care of their children’s needs at the same time.
Turning Lives Around
Medical Recovery at Brother Francis Shelter People experiencing homelessness typically do not seek or complete medical treatment for many reasons. The addition of the Medical Respite program and expanded primary care services through the Caring Clinic at Brother Francis Shelter allows us to be proactive in preventing treatable conditions from becoming an emergency.