New Shelter
New Brother Francis Shelter
In June, Catholic Social Services (CSS), in partnership with Cook Inlet Housing Authority, broke ground on the New Brother Francis Shelter. To date the foundation has been nearly completed, the exterior walls are under construction and steel-work has begun. There's a long way to go in the construction process, but it's anticipated that the building will be ready for occupancy in the spring of 2005.
The new $4.6 million, 18,200 SF, "Brother Francis" Emergency Homeless and Transient Shelter, will be located adjacent to, and 50-feet north of, its present location. Next summer the existing shelter will be demolished, removed, and replaced with landscaping and parking after the new shelter is completed.
The Brother Francis Shelter (BFS), operated by CSS, has occupied it's current site at 1021 East Third Avenue since 1982 via a ground lease from the Municipality of Anchorage. The Assembly approved the extension of the ground lease for an additional 40-years, along with funds to conduct an environmental assessment, soil removal and facility demolition for the existing structure.
CSS secured funds for construction and is continuing to raise funds to establish a multi-million dollar operating endowment. While Cook Inlet Housing Authority is managing the design and construction of the new shelter and will ultimately own the building, CSS will continue to operate the shelter. As the lessee, CSS will be responsible for all taxes and assessments; maintenance and repairs to building and grounds; utilities; obtaining all necessary permits; and maintaining necessary insurance coverage.
Although the new shelter will have the same 240 bed maximum capacity as the existing shelter, the new facility will provide less crowded, more dignified sleeping conditions (sleeping mats on the floor are sometimes now as close as six inches). The new facility will significantly improve the "support spaces" available within the facility, addressing the working environment for Brother Francis Shelter employees and allowing for additional support services primarily intended to help Brother Francis guests transition out of homelessness.
The guests of the shelter are homeless for many reasons, including lack of employment and/or work skills, lack of adequate income, mental illness, medical conditions, and/or drug/alcohol dependency.
The new design includes space for service providers -- such as Veterans Affairs, Southcentral Counseling, Homeward Bound Outreach and public health outreach -- that have the resources to help guests address some of these challenges. The new shelter will also provide enhanced safety for guests with a secure intake area and a monitoring system. Shower and laundry facilities will be improved, and space for a medical and dental clinic will be available.
For information on how you can help in this community project by either volunteering or donation -- or both! -- contact Barbara Whitehurst at Catholic Social Services, 297-7752.