Fund for Western Alaska storm recovery raises over $1 million

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Monday, October 3rd, 2022 1:49pm

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Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Since The Alaska Community Foundation established the Western Alaska Disaster Recovery Fund on September 17th, over 2,400 individuals, families, small businesses, local foundations, statewide associations, Alaska Native organizations, and corporate sponsors have contributed.

To date, the fund has grown to over $1.25 million dollars committed for both short-term and longer-term recovery efforts.

"In this very difficult time for the people of our region, we feel the kindness and support bestowed upon us by fellow Alaskans and so many others. We are appreciative of every single person who has donated and grateful to the Alaska Community Foundation for establishing the fund and providing the platform to make it so easy for so many to help," reports Melanie Bahnke, President, Kawerak, Inc.

To understand the conditions in the communities affected, The Alaska Community Foundation sought guidance from regional and community leaders from the affected areas. The goal was to disburse funds quickly.

Based on advice from the regional leaders, the Alaska Community Foundation is distributing over half a million dollars to western Alaska this week. "We know there is much more to do to support our fellow Alaskans in this recovery effort, but we did want to directly provide as much support as possible to the communities that were hardest hit, including Golovin, Hooper Bay, Newtok, and Chevak. We will be looking to provide additional funding over the coming days as the needs are identified," stated Nina Kemppel, President and CEO, The Alaska Community Foundation.

The foundation said a second round of funds will become available starting in early November to address further recovery efforts when the storm's repercussions are better understood.

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