Legislature approval of state IDs for people leaving prison will have positive effects for our community
Personal identification documents are an often overlooked, but integral part of navigating modern life. They are so essential, yet so ubiquitous as we navigate from day to day, that we can sometimes forget all of the different activities we use them for. For example, you need an ID to rent a house or to apply…
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,…
Our volunteer teachers help refugees start their new lives and prepare for the future
When a refugee first arrives in Alaska, their travels may be over, but they still have a hard journey ahead of them. Over the next several years, they will go through the resettlement process—adjusting to the culture and the cold environment, learning language and job skills, applying for citizenship, and figuring out what their new…
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…
Assisting Veterans in need, providing services to those who have served our country
Lisa DH Aquino| July 2020 | Catholic Anchor July is a time to celebrate our nation. It’s also a time to celebrate and honor the brave men and women who serve our country each day. These heroes are dedicated to something bigger than themselves – the good of our entire nation. These heroes fight for…
Addressing Racism and Praying for George Floyd and his Family
Our prayers are with George Floyd and his family. Our prayers are also with our nation as we mourn the loss of Mr. Floyd and so many other people of color who have been injured or killed because of the color of their skin. Our nation has a long and terrible history of racism, and…
What Do We Do with 675 Pounds of Broccoli?
Standing in the hallway outside of St. Francis House Food Pantry, one of the program assistants, Logan, talked with three employees from Bean’s Cafe – Josh, Justina, and Scott. They had come here to do a tour of our food pantry and warehouse. “We’re not going to turn anyone away if they need food,” Logan…
Everything Is about Community
Five women sat on folding chairs in a circle at the Welcome Center, a building dedicated to our Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS) program. They chatted and laughed loudly, clearly good friends. Those gathered were Meg, Diane, Shirley, Ingrid, and Peggy – each volunteer teachers for newly resettled refugees. Their classes focus on the…
Remembering the Tree of Life Synagogue
In the last few days, I have been mourning the loss of life at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Honestly, I cannot stop thinking about the loss of those individuals, practicing their faith, living their beliefs peacefully and then being killed for that belief. As people of faith, to see any sacred practice…
Medical Respite Gets People Back on Their Feet
Medical Respite is a wing in Brother Francis Shelter that has five rooms. Each room stays full. Between April 1 and July 31, 2018, occupancy in Medical Respite was 94%. The small percent of vacancy reflects the time required to clean the room for the next guest and transition the guests there. Each room has…