Municipality of Anchorage continues to support State of Alaska’s disaster response as 483 evacuees successfully moved to non-congregate shelter options

The Municipality of Anchorage on Monday celebrated a significant milestone in the State of Alaska's disaster response efforts: 483 evacuees from Western Alaska storm-impacted communities were successfully transitioned into more stable, non-congregate sheltering options.

Since the catastrophic impacts of last month's storms across West Coast Alaska, approximately 655 individuals have been evacuated to Anchorage. Many were staying in two large temporary congregate shelters at UAA's Alaska Airlines Center and the MOA's Egan Center, while others have been staying with family, friends, or in other accommodations.

The transition from congregate shelters to more private and family-friendly accommodations is a crucial step toward recovery and stability for our Western Alaska neighbors. As of Monday, a total of 483 of the evacuees in Anchorage, including more than 100 families, had been moved into non-congregate shelter options.

This massive transition was possible thanks to the scores of dedicated volunteers and partner agencies working tirelessly around the clock, including the American Red Cross, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Southcentral Foundation, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Salvation Army, Alaska Baptists, Central World Kitchen, Team Rubicon, Bean's Café and many other organizations.

"The grit, determination and resiliency of Alaskans has never been more evident than in the past few weeks," said Mayor Suzanne LaFrance. "I am inspired by how our community, our tribal partners, our non-profits, and our agencies rallied to provide comfort, hospitality and stability during a terrible disaster. Moving hundreds of individuals and families out of mass shelters and into apartments and hotels is a critical milestone in this disaster response. It means stability and privacy are being restored."

By Friday, October 31, both Anchorage-area congregate shelters were no longer sheltering evacuees overnight. The 371 individuals moved from the congregate shelters were placed into non-congregate and longer-term options, including hotel rooms and apartments. Nearly 170 children have been registered for school in the Anchorage School District.

The former Alaska Airlines center shelter is closed. The Egan Center shelter remains open as a crucial point of contact for any additional evacuees to connect with resources and swift placement into non-congregate options.

The Municipality of Anchorage remains committed to supporting the State of Alaska's disaster response and continuing mass care effort.

The MOA Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to assist the State with resources, logistics and support for evacuees in non-congregate shelter. The Municipality is also providing transitional sheltering for evacuated animals and assisting with family reunification efforts.

"To our friends and neighbors from Western Alaska who have lost so much: Anchorage welcomes you to our community. We pledge our ongoing support and hospitality as you move through this difficult time toward recovery and stability," said Mayor LaFrance.

Those who are affected by the recent storms should register for both state and federal individual assistance programs. More information for evacuees and is available at www.muni.org/YKHelp. A list of evacuated pets is online at alaskatyphoondogs.org/.

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Contact: Emily Goodykoontz [email protected] 1 (907) 205-6683

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