The state had received close to 1,100 applications for individual assistance from residents of Western Alaska affected by storm damage from ex-Typhoon Halong, according to the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Oct. 25.
Applications are open on the state’s website through Dec. 9.
As many storm evacuees left behind or lost identification or essential documents, the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Health have booths at emergency evacuation shelters in Anchorage to assist with replacements. The Association of Village Council Presidents is offering tribal IDs at the shelters.
State caseworkers and a Yup’ik-speaking public notary are helping with documentation, the state said.
Residents must prove they are from the designated disaster area and provide proof of identification and a mailing address where checks can be mailed.
As of Oct. 23, there were 302 evacuees staying in emergency shelters in Anchorage, with 178 at the Egan Center and 124 at the Alaska Airlines Center on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus.
The state program provides financial assistance for storm damage to homes, vehicles, essential personal property and medical needs directly related to the disaster. Applicants will be eligible for $21,250 in home repairs and $21,250 for other needs.
The program also includes a housing assistance program that provides renters with up to three months of aid and homeowners with 18 months of financial assistance, according to the state’s website.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy said Oct. 24 he amended the state’s disaster declaration to waive state fees associated with replacing documents, including licenses and registrations. It also waives late fees for state-administered loan and payment programs.
On Oct. 23, the Trump administration authorized a federal disaster declaration for the Western Alaska storm. The president said that he authorized an immediate $25 million in federal aid for the state to cover costs as the recovery effort is underway.
Trump also approved the state’s request for additional federal assistance, including federal individual assistance, public assistance and a hazard mitigation grant program.
Federal disaster assistance provides up to $42,500 for home repairs and up to $42,500 for other items.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is also offering low interest loans to small businesses, nonprofits and individuals impacted by the storm, to help pay for losses not covered by insurance.
Individual and business donations have come pouring in for the families and communities devastated by ex-Typhoon Halong, including food, supplies and financial assistance.
The Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund has raised $2.5 million to date, said Ashley Ellingson, director of communications with the Alaska Community Foundation, with mostly corporate donors pledging an additional $1.5 million more. She said an advisory committee of regional and state leaders meets at least weekly to consider requests and how to best allocate funding.
The Alaska Community Foundation has already distributed roughly $575,000 to five organizations: the Association of Village Council Presidents, the Maniilaq Association, the tribal councils of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok — the communities hardest-hit by the storm — and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
The Alaska Beacon is an independent, donor-funded news organization. Alaskabeacon.com.
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