Lisa Aquino

Joining together, we can reach our vision of accessible care for a healthy Anchorage.

What’s important is trying and asking how we can help each other.

This community is a family, and whatever the political persuasion or the abundance of resources, we are here for each other.

We are adapting to this challenge so our community can still be connected, and our clients can get what they need.

The governor’s vetoes mean 140 additional people will be sleeping outside in and near Anchorage. We cannot do any more with any less. We already operate on the margin.

I urge you to reach out and welcome new members to our community, in particular those who have overcome extreme challenges to resettle in our country and our community.

The benefits are extremely modest -- in Alaska, they are $1.96 per person per meal - but they make a big difference for the people who receive them.

If we stay with the struggle for the long haul, everyone can have a decent place to call home. There are 150 people with roofs over their heads tonight who can testify to that.

OPINION: Archbishop Hurley believed that with the right guidance, the community would rise up and support service for those in need. At Catholic Social Services, we strive to be worthy of that community support.

OPINION: The community can help us find solutions to increase staff in order to take all guests who want to come in at the Brother Francis Shelter, and not limit the number of people because of safety concerns.