As the leaves turn and the air sharpens with fall, I am reminded of how seasons mirror the journeys we take in life. Change is rarely simple. It often carries both loss and promise, endings and new beginnings. At the 3rd Avenue Resource & Navigation Center (3RNC), I see this truth lived out each day. The ministry of 3RNC is about walking with our brothers and sisters through their own seasons of change with trust, with providing transportation, and with the hope of transition.
Trust begins with the smallest gestures, and yet those gestures carry immense weight. A warm shower, a clean pair of socks, a hot cup of coffee, or a safe chair to rest in may not solve every challenge, but they remind our guests that they are not invisible. These acts of care communicate what our Catholic faith teaches us so clearly: that each person has inherent dignity as a beloved child of God. Trust is not built overnight, especially for those who have endured trauma or long-term neglect. At 3RNC, trust grows day by day, encounter by encounter, as staff and volunteers meet people with compassion, consistency, and a listening heart.
Transportation is another way we live out this ministry of accompaniment. In Alaska, weather and distance can turn even simple errands into heavy burdens. For someone who is unhoused, a long walk across town to an appointment can mean missed opportunities, lost hope, or even danger in the cold. Our shuttle and other transportation services are more than logistics. They are a lifeline that reconnects people with medical care, housing collaborators, employment opportunities, and family. Transportation is also about bringing collaborating agencies directly to 3RNC so guests can access essential services without having to travel long distances. Every ride and every connection with visiting collaborating agency are a reminder that no one should have to walk their journey alone. Rooted in Catholic teaching, we are called to carry one another’s burdens, and this is one very concrete way that call is lived out at 3RNC.
Transition is perhaps the most hopeful part of the story. Just as autumn prepares us for winter while also holding the promise of spring, the work of 3RNC helps people prepare for what is next. Our navigators and case managers provide steady support as guests take steps from crisis to stability and from temporary survival to long-term hope. Collaborating agencies play a vital role in this process by providing specialized services right at 3RNC, so guests can access the support they need without additional barriers. This can mean filling out housing applications, practicing for a job interview, or being connected to counseling and recovery supports. Transitions are not always fast or linear, but with patient accompaniment, people begin to see that change is possible. Small victories, such as a call returned, an interview scheduled, or a lease signed, are celebrated as signs of new life taking root.
None of this happens without the deep commitment of our staff, volunteers, and collaborators. Their work is grounded in trauma-informed care, recognizing that every guest arrives with a story, often marked by pain, loss, or disconnection. By offering not only services but also presence, they help restore a sense of belonging and community. The 3RNC is more than a building with programs; it is a place of connectedness where faith, compassion, and practical support come together.
As we enter this season of thanksgiving, may we remember that the 3rd Avenue Resource & Navigation Center is a place where immediate needs are met with dignity and long-term journeys are nurtured with hope. It is a place of trust, a pathway of accompaniment, and a doorway to new life. When we support this ministry through prayer, service, or giving, we live out our Catholic mission to love our neighbor and to see the face of Christ in all who come to us in need.