ConocoPhillips AK invests in housing

Petroleum News

Catholic Social Services said Nov. 13 that ConocoPhillips Alaska provided a $150,000 grant for the Community Housing Project, a partnership between Catholic Social Services, Rural Alaska Community Action Program Inc. (RurAL CAP), Salvation Army and United Way that supports families moving from homelessness to housing.

“Early childhood research has shown that homelessness is the second most traumatic event that can happen to a child, after losing a parent. That trauma has life-long impacts on physical and mental health,” said Lisa Aquino, CEO of Catholic Social Services. “ConocoPhillips Alaska’s investment will play a large part in eliminating that trauma.”

The company’s grant will extend rapid rehousing services to families in need. Specifically, it will help quickly move 10 households and more than 30 people to permanent stability by supporting each family’s housing, income stability, and social and emotional wellbeing.

“None of these families and individuals want to be homeless. Most of them are working when something unexpected and unfortunate happens to them,” said Joe Marushack, president of ConocoPhillips Alaska. “This housing program focuses on getting the family or individual into housing first, so they can turn their energy and attention toward getting back on their feet. Alaska needs more successful programs like this.”

For more information visit www.cssalaska.org.

- Petroleum News