Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

October 24, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Last week, Typhoon Halong made landfall in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. As a result of flooding and intensive damage, several communities have been evacuated to Bethel and Anchorage, with hundreds of people displaced from their homes. The state and federal governments both declared disaster emergencies. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities impacted.

Read on for storm updates and how to help.

Western Alaska Typhoon Halong Relief

Residents of rural communities in Western Alaska continue to reel from the devastating effects of Typhoon Halong earlier this month. More than 1,500 displaced residents and those who have lost their homes currently rely on statewide aid efforts.

On Wednesday, the federal government approved a disaster declaration for Alaska, releasing $25 million in federal aid for recovery and relief assistance for the next 90 days.

Housing Placement Update

The Municipality of Anchorage has taken in hundreds of people who were evacuated from their communities and is coordinating housing and other services to provide relief. Following a Proclamation of Emergency on October 17, the Municipality set up a website for volunteers and community members interested in ways to help. On Tuesday, the State established the Alaska Disaster Housing Task Force to help provide housing at hotels and elsewhere for flood victims.

If you or someone you know suffered damage from Typhoon Halong, the State's individual assistance program helps people find housing, make repairs, and more. This program provides homeowners with 18 months and renters with three months of housing assistance, and is the first step to obtaining long-term housing for the victims of the Typhoon Halong disaster. Apply here.

If you have available housing for evacuees in the Anchorage area, email Colin.Cooley@anchorageak.gov.

How You Can Help

Due to limited warehouse space, organizations recommend donating financially. You can also donate new items such as diapers, clothing, and supplies to organizations providing relief efforts. See below to learn how.

Financial Support

The Western Alaska Disaster Relief 2025 Fund is the primary fund for the Western Alaska disaster, established by the Alaska Community Foundation and other community partners.

Volunteer

To volunteer or to stay updated on opportunities with the Municipality of Anchorage, contact Clare.Ross@anchorageak.gov.

Beans Cafe is asking for donations of food and volunteer assistance in feeding evacuees. Sign up and learn more here.

Find your local community council here to see how your neighborhood might be involved in relief efforts.

Donate

The Food Bank of Alaska is accepting canned goods or dry pantry staples.

The Association of Village Council Presidents endorsed an Amazon wish list that will ship items directly to the Bethel Community Services Foundation.

Credit Union 1 is accepting new winter gear, hygiene products, baby supplies, cleaning supplies, new bedding, and bottled water at their locations in Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and Fairbanks through Saturday, Oct. 25th.

Team Rubicon (Chugach Electric warehouse - 1120 East 1st Avenue) is working with air cargo carriers to ship items directly to Bethel. They are accepting new clothing, winter gear, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, diapers, new bedding, and more, 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Unopened bags of dry dog and cat food can be dropped off at Southside Animal Hospital (12000 Industry Way Bldg N-5).

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (4001 Tudor Centre Dr.) is accepting traditional food donations Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Alaska Native Heritage Center (8800 Heritage Center Dr.) asks that you please book a drop-off time for traditional food donations.

Please note: Some donation needs and drop-off locations have changed since the days immediately following the storm. Check your local statewide news source and social media to find updates on how you can help.

SNAP Cancellation

The Federal Government has been shutdown since October 1st due to disagreements in Congress. As a result, many Federal employees are working without pay and programs and grants are halted. This week, the Alaska Department of Health announced that over 66,000 Alaskans will not receive their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the month of November as a result of the government shutdown.

SNAP provides critical assistance to low-income families and community members across Alaska, including in rural villages already stressed by the impact of Typhoon Halong.

Community Information

→ Ted Stevens Legislative Internship

The Ted Stevens Legislative Internship is a fantastic opportunity for students in the University of Alaska system to get experience in the Alaska State Legislature and to learn more about State policy.

If you or anyone you know attending UAA or another UA campus is interested in serving in a state legislative office, earning 12 credits, and gaining invaluable work experience that can supercharge their transition to a career after graduation, please learn more about this program. Any major is welcome!

Applications are accepted online and are due on November 1st by 11:59 PM. To learn more and apply, please click here.

Community Events

→ Trick or Treat Street

When: Saturday, October 25 from 12:00 to 4:00 PM

Where: West 4th Ave from C to F Street

Chart your candy course as you treat from business to business! Collect a map from any of these participating storefronts and join in on the 4th Avenue fun! In addition to getting treats, enjoy free horse drawn carriage rides, tour a haunted trolley and zombus, bounce in a house, get spooked in a cabin, and savor a Franz grilled cheese. And while you're downtown, don't forget to visit the Alaska Airlines booth to receive a special stamp and submit your map for a chance to win four plane tickets!

For more information, click here.

→ 7th Annual Fish Creek Trick or Treat

When: October 31st from 4:30 to 6:30 PM

Where: Fish Creek Trail. Click here for more information.

Join Representative Carolyn Hall and me on the Fish Creek Trail this Halloween!

The Spenard Community Council, Anchorage Park Foundation, and Neighbor Works Alaska invite trick or treaters of all ages to join the fun along Fish Creek Trail! Stations go from Barbara Street Park, through Woodland Park, along the trail all the way to Kiwanis Fish Creek Park. Come in costume, play games, get treats, and enjoy all the fun!