The State of Alaska is working to transition hundreds of evacuees from Western Alaska out of mass shelters in Anchorage and into hotel accommodations. According to Jeremy Zidek, spokesperson for the state’s emergency response team, the goal is to complete the move by the end of the week.
“We understand that large group shelters are not a long-term solution,” Zidek said. “It’s not sustainable for people to stay in those conditions, so we’re pleased to be relocating them.”
As of Monday, more than 300 individuals were staying on cots at the Alaska Airlines Center and the Egan Center. The state is prioritizing keeping families together as they are moved into hotels throughout Anchorage.
While in hotels, evacuees will continue to receive three meals a day, thanks to support from organizations such as the Salvation Army, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, and the Food Bank of Alaska. Children who recently enrolled in the Anchorage School District will still be provided transportation to school. Additionally, various support teams will visit evacuees to offer medical, behavioral health, and logistical assistance.
Zidek emphasized that the hotel stays are only a short-term solution. The state, along with partner organizations, is working quickly to repair homes in Western Alaska before winter sets in. However, not everyone will be able to return home—some residences were completely destroyed.
“Our main objective is to help people return to their communities or at least to their home regions,” Zidek said. “But when that’s not possible, we must ensure they have safe housing for the winter.”
The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is currently seeking temporary housing options across the state. Anyone with available accommodations—such as micro-units, apartments, or hotel rooms—who is interested in helping can contact EOCServiceBranchDir@anchorageak.gov.
Source: alaskapublic.org