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…
Beyond ballet: music, memories, and motivation at The Nutcracker
This past December, a group of guests at Brother Francis Shelter had the opportunity to attend The Nutcracker at Atwood Hall – an event which left a lasting impression on many of those who attended. One guest in particular saw the importance of the event for his fellow guests from the very beginning. LaVont worked…
Sharing the joy of the holidays with more than 100 families
Each December, we invite our supporters to sponsor clients and their families through our Helping Holidays program. This past December, our community sponsored more than 100 families! That means that hundreds of our neighbors in need received holiday gifts and a little extra cheer, all thanks to your generosity. For families working with tight budgets,…
Lisa Aquino: Reflecting on Lessons Learned
Homelessness in Anchorage. Say that simple phrase out loud and it will certainly elicit passionate responses. While homelessness has always been a challenge in our community, it has recently come to a head.Catholic Social Services has been serving the poor and those experiencing homelessness in Anchorage for more than 40 years. In addition to providing…
New life and fresh starts
Molly Cornish-Cordy | Catholic Charities USA | August 2021 Gardening isn’t typically the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Alaska. The state is home to three mountain ranges, a cold climate, and long winters. Anchorage, the largest city in the state, is usually in negative temperatures most of the winter. The winters…
Working together to serve the homeless
Lisa DH Aquino | August 2021 | The North Star Catholic This month we find ourselves focusing on our children and young families as schools reopen for the fall. Back to school is often full of excitement, joy, and sometimes worry. Many parents purchase school supplies, read to their children, practice ABCs, and much more…
Thanks to you, our second year of Grow Local, Give Local was even more successful than the first!
During that first year of Grow Local, Give Local, you stepped up and gave more than $5,000 to purchase produce from refugee farmers to be donated to St. Francis House Food Pantry. Throughout the summer, you provided income for refugees and healthy, locally grown vegetables for families in need. We were so impressed by your…
CSS programs help refugees flourish with community support
Lisa DH Aquino | June 2021 | The North Star Catholic June 20th is World Refugee Day, a day celebrated internationally to honor refugees worldwide – those who have fled war, violence, conflict, or persecution, and have crossed an international border to find safety in another country. We spend this time celebrating the strength of…
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…
Arriving in Alaska: A RAIS Friendship Story
Arriving in Alaska as a Somali refugee by way of Egypt comes with some expected shocks…namely, the weather. When Mahdi Akal was resettled in Anchorage with support from Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services (RAIS), both he and RAIS Director Issa Spatrisano would be pleasantly surprised to find a new friendship as well—and it all started…