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.
Volunteer Salute: Linda Johns
A shout out this month to St. Francis House Food Pantry volunteer extraordinaire Linda Johns. Linda has been volunteering in the Pantry for the last 3 years and can be found helping out each week, Monday through Thursday—usually putting in a good 5 to 6 hours a day serving as a personal shopper, helping with…
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.
Catholic Social Services Case Manager and Veteran Salutes Our Troops
Our very own Phil Munger is a US Army Veteran and a Catholic Social Services Case Manager. For decades, he has been performing Taps at patriotic events, and at individual memorial services for deceased Veterans. As a member of Bugles Across America, he works with the group to provide buglers at as many memorial events for…
Know Yourself Know Your Community
Med Student Gains Insight Through Volunteering Amelia Harrison started working as a volunteer at Brother Francis Shelter literally at the bottom: helping with the foot care clinic over 3 years ago. She quickly found an affinity for the work and the people she served.
Wells Fargo Grant Offers Job Training to New Arrivals
The $25,000 Wells Fargo Economic Opportunity Grant supported RAIS to provide job readiness classes for over 150 clients, place 111 clients in employment & develop 3 job training programs that have already served more than 60 clients and will train dozens more in future years. The first job training program that was developed and offered…