Catholic Social Services (CSS) provides shelter, meals, connections to jobs and medical care for those experiencing homelessness. CSS gives assistance to children and their families, supports Veterans with their specific needs, offers help for immigrants and refugees, serves people with disabilities and improves the quality of life for the entire community by advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable.
CSS remains committed to serving our community, and the health of our clients, volunteers, and staff is our top priority. Learn more and stay up-to-date by reading our response to COVID-19.
Need help right now?
For immediate assistance finding a program to meet your needs, call United Way 2-1-1.
Are you a Veteran in need of support services?
Do you need emergency shelter?
Do you need emergency food?
Do you need assistance in securing stable housing?
Do you have a question about your AHRR application?
Emergency Shelter
Brother Francis Shelter
A voluntary emergency shelter for homeless men and women, 18 years of age and older, with a capacity for 62 guests, specializing in guests with mobility challenges.
Location: 1021 E 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
Hours: 24 hours/day, 365 days/year
Phone: 907-277-1731 (front desk)
To inquire about a bed, call 907-277-1731.
For admission into the shelter, the following criteria must be met:
- At least 18 years of age
- Homeless
- Behaviorally appropriate
- Able to independently provide self-care (e.g. the ability to get up and down off the mats, shower, use the restroom and dress oneself independently)
- Free of highly contagious medical conditions (e.g. Tuberculosis, ringworm, chicken pox, whooping cough, measles)
- Able to comply with shelter policies and procedures
To learn more about Brother Francis Shelter’s services, staff, and policies, see the Guest Handbook.
Clare House
A voluntary emergency shelter for women with children and expectant mothers
Location: 4110 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99517
Hours: 24 hours/day, 365 days/year
Phone: 907-563-4545 (front desk) ext. 100 or ext. 101
For admission into the shelter, the following criteria must be met:
- Family must be homeless – preference is given to
applicants sleeping in a car, camp, or on the street - Female head of household must be 18 years of age or
older with:- a child or children under the age of 18
- a dependent adult child up to the age of 21
(proof of guardianship is required) - a pregnancy
- Able to provide proof of guardianship for children in your
care - Able to provide picture identification
- May not be a registered sex offender in any state
Emergency Food
St. Francis House Food Pantry
Location: 3710 East 20th St.
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 4th Wednesday of each month: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Phone: 907-222-7353
When coming to the Saint Francis House Food Pantry you should bring the following items:
- ID for head of household
- Reusable Shopping bags (optional)
- 30 minutes of free time
Forms
Saint Francis House Food Pantry Application
St. Francis House Food Pantry is part of the largest food pantry network in Anchorage.
- Go to the Food Bank of Alaska’s website for more information on other locations.
Stable Housing
Homeless Family Services
A case management program that assists and supports homeless individuals and families in securing stable, permanent housing and increasing self-sufficiency.
Community-Based Case Management
Basic eligibility requirements:
- Family with dependents
- Unsheltered
- Desire and willingness to work on a service plan to increase self-sufficiency
Anchorage Location: 3710 East 20th St.
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm (or by appointment)
Phone: 907-222-7334
Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Basic eligibility requirements:
- A Veteran, or member of a Veteran household in which the Head of Household is a Veteran (*Veteran must have an other-than dishonorable discharge)
- Very low income (below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI))
- Currently homeless or expecting to become homeless (eviction notice)
Learn more about Veteran Services.
Mat-Su Office: 777 N Crusey Ave, Suite B#111 Ph: 907-376-1300
Anchorage Location: 3710 East 20th St.
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm (or by appointment)
Phone: 907-222-7331
Other Services
Family Disability Services
Respite Services for families with disabilities
Adoption Services
Advocacy, support and referrals for adoptive families
Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services
Services for Refugees
Program Participant Rights & Responsibilities
While at Catholic Social Services or any of its programs, you have the right to:
- Receive confidential services
- Review your case record, except those protected by law
- Request a change to your case record
- Ask questions about any service or procedure
- Receive services and information in a manner that honors your language,
- culture, and individuality
- Receive an explanation of what services you can expect to receive
- Know the requirements for receiving services
- Make a complaint about the services you receive
- Receive services in a fair, respectful manner
- Be treated with dignity and respect
- Be protected from abuse, harassment, and exploitation
- Review and comment about your rights
- Refuse service
- Receive information about consequences of refusing service
While at Catholic Social Services or any of its programs, program participants are responsible to:
- Communicate openly, honestly, in a respectful manner
- Use internal complaint systems to resolve complaints
- Show respect for other program participants, staff, and volunteers
- Report wrongdoing and fraud appropriately
- Advocate for yourself and your family
- Follow program guidelines
- Let us know if you don’t understand what is being asked of you