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…
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…
3rd Avenue Resource & Navigation Center: Where permanent stability begins
Providers and residents across our community have taken a renewed focus on the issues of housing and homelessness, working hard to meet the needs of our neighbors. Through years of experience and the collaboration between partners, we know that the answer to homelessness is complex, requiring a place to connect all levels of care. Basic…
Providing shelter for mothers and children, adults, and medically fragile individuals
With the addition of Complex Care, Catholic Social Services now provides more than 200 beds to Anchorage’s homelessness response network to make sure everyone who needs support can find it. Together with Clare House, Brother Francis Shelter, and Medical Respite, Complex Care broadens our network of services to support people experiencing homelessness at every stage…
Complex Care is the first of its kind, the result of decades of experience and learning
Complex Care provides the chance to demonstrate the benefits of smaller, specialized shelters, thanks to our partners: Calista Corporation, Chugach Alaska Corporation, Doyon, Limited, the Municipality of Anchorage, Providence Health & Services, Rasmuson Foundation, and Weidner Apartment Homes. In the 55 years that Catholic Social Services has served our community, we’ve learned a lot about…
Anchorage is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis
Robin Dempsey, Executive Director | July 2022 | Anchorage Daily News With the closure of the Sullivan Arena, this is the first time in decades our city has not had a low-barrier, walk-up shelter option. Most of the shelters in our city are referral based and are operating at or close to capacity. Right now,…
Introducing Complex Care at 303 West Fireweed Lane
When COVID began, Brother Francis Shelter recognized the need to reduce capacity to keep our guests safe and socially distanced. To meet the needs of our community, BFS became more specialized in our care—serving elderly and medically fragile guests who needed individualized care. We recognized the need and, given our Healthcare and Homelessness Partnership ,…
Anchorage leaders combine their efforts in the Healthcare and Homelessness Partnership
Homelessness is a public health issue. That’s why in April 2017 we formed the Healthcare and Homelessness Partnership, a collaboration between Catholic Social Services dedicated partners: Providence Health & Services Alaska , Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Alaska Regional Hospital, Southcentral Foundation , Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, and the Municipality of Anchorage With funding and…
Your gift helps veterans like Kamal find justice, support, and stability
Kamal grew up in a tough neighborhood in Harlem and joined the Army when he was only 17, serving in the Vietnam War as a paratrooper. Although Kamal lived and worked all over the country, his military service left him with several chronic injuries—paratroopers often sustain long-term injuries to their feet, knees, and backs. Large…
Conversations with Case Managers: Mercy Pulou
For Mercy Pulou, case management is more than a day job. It’s part of her calling. “I believe in being a good steward. When you are given opportunities, share the truth and make an impact.” Mercy has been working at Catholic Social Services for almost two years, and cares deeply about her clients and making…