Articles by Lisa DH Aquino


‘Perfect storm’ raises safety issues at Br. Francis Shelter

Just as when Brother Francis Shelter opened, we are in a perfect storm. We have a faltering economy, homelessness on the rise, increasing numbers of vulnerable citizens without shelter, and safety is an issue. Working in close partnership with government agencies, businesses and committed individuals, Catholic Social Services is striving to achieve short and long-term solutions.

Catholic Social Services’ broad mission provides strategic ‘works of love’

Catholic Social Services in Alaska has eight different programs, each and every one of which could stand alone, but they all stand together under our mission to compassionately serve the poor and those in need, strengthen individuals and families, and advocate for social justice. The fact that we have a diversity of programs speaks to the needs in our community. Catholic Social Services has built itself to grow and fit with the needs of our population. Our broad mission allows that flexibility.

How Clare House shelters Anchorage’s women & children

Clare House is an emergency shelter for women with children in Anchorage. Over the years Catholic Social Services has received great support from the community to operate this Anchorage outreach. Many extraordinary volunteers have dedicated time and effort to improving the lives of women and children in need. Surprisingly though, it is not a place that many people in Anchorage have ever seen. And if they have seen it, they may not have known they passed it.

Alaska ‘homeless’ shelter offers ‘safe, functional home’

Here at Catholic Social Services, we recently received a letter from a former client. At an unexpected crisis point in his life he found himself homeless and with nowhere to turn. He turned to the Brother Francis Shelter, but he came to us with low expectations and filled with fear of personal danger, as well as fear of being judged. His experience changed his view of shelters and of being homeless.

Copyright © 2025 Catholic Anchor Online - All Rights Reserved