The Foraker Group

Typhoon Halong has devastated Alaska’s western coast. As is our way, Alaskans are turning out to support the individuals, families, and communities who have been touched by this disaster.

We have listed here the organizations that are helping – and the ways you can contribute to their efforts.

Financial Donations

The Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund, housed at the Alaska Community Foundation, has been established by a growing list of local, regional, and statewide organizations to accept donations, which will be directed to communities based on locally identified needs.

The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) is accepting financial donations, along with gifts of traditional food, clothing, bedding, and other personal and household items.

The American Red Cross of Alaska is accepting donations for those affected by storms and floods in Alaska.

Resources from the City of Bethel

A webpage being maintained by the city includes the latest information on support services for displaced families and individuals:

• Individual Assistance Program – State of Alaska Homeland Security
• Water and Sewer Utility Assistance for Host Households – City of Bethel
• Food Support
• Clothing/Supply Needs – Alaska Village Council Presidents (AVCP) and Bethel Search and Rescue
• Access to the YK Fitness Center – City of Bethel
• Free Bus Passes – City of Bethel
• Tribal Assistance Programs – AVCP
• Social Security Card Replacement Application
• Animal Reconnection/Adoption
• Employment
• Student Support – Lower Kuskokwim School District
• City of Bethel Utility Application

Contact information for the city is connected@cityofbethel.net or text/phone 907-545-4087.

Additional Resources

Disaster Assistance Center

In coordination with Calista Corporation, a Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) has opened to assist evacuees and connect them to services. The center is located in the Calista Maani Building, 1400 W. Benson Blvd, Anchorage.

Resources Guide from First Alaskans Institute

FAI is monitoring what local organizations are doing and will provide weekly updates to this resource guide.

Support from the Anchorage School District

In a note to the Anchorage community, ASD Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt outlined services being provided for 140 students from Western Alaska who are now enrolled in Anchorage schools. This report demonstrates some outcomes of their support.

Support from the Municipality of Anchorage

The municipality provides information here on ways to support Western Alaska evacuees now in Anchorage.

• Financial Donations
• Donations of Goods
• Volunteering
• Housing
• Food including traditional food donations

Information from the State of Alaska

The state is providing information on disaster assistance, charitable organizations, and mental health resources here.

Additional Ways to Help

• Foster pets relocated from Western Alaska through Best Friends Animal Rescue, The August Fund, or Anchorage Animal Care and Control.
• The Alaska Small Business Development Center at UAA announces assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Alaska homeowners, businesses, nonprofits, and renters affected by storms. Information is available here.