Glacial Outburst & Flooding Update as of August 15, 2023 |
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We’d like to share this correspondence from Jenni Ragland, Service Extension & Emergency Disaster Services Director with The Salvation Army Alaska Division. The Salvation Army is, of course, a United Way Partner Agency. Below is a synopsis of just how the nonprofit agency community, businesses, local volunteers, and government work together to respond to needs in our communities. Please use discretion if you elect to view the timelapse of the event linked below. Our hearts go out to our neighbors affected. |
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Good morning, friends
I’m just back after 4 days in Juneau, where I deployed with Desiree Chambers, DHSEM Mass Care, to help support and assess the situation following glacial outburst, flooding and resulting damage in the Mendenhall Valley area, which occurred On Saturday, August 5. The City/Borough of Juneau declared a local emergency on August 6th. Governor Dunlevy issued a State disaster declaration on August 8.
I’m sure many of you have seen the video clip circulating via social media, but that provides only a glimpse of the impact and loss that has been sustained in the community. Thanks to American Red Cross, Central Council of Tlingit & Haida, The Salvation Army, Team Rubicon, United Way SE Alaska and the City/Borough team who came together quickly to reach out to address the immediate needs. While there is still final information/details to come, preliminary damage assessment information is there could potentially be up to 70 households affected in some manner from this event.
The Red Cross opened a client assistance center for 3 ½ days this week as part of their casework/client assistance programs. The Salvation Army was present offering assistance as well. Flyers with information on the State’s IA programs, along with local community resource information sheets were distributed as well.
Juneau is a close-knit community and people have stepped forward to help out with many of the immediate needs – offering housing to those displaced, helping with the initial muck out and clean up.
While there one of the goals was to bring together the local partners to form a Mass Care working group. Minutes from the first meeting are attached. We have now met twice and identified some next steps, which is an opportunity to broaden this group to build a robust plan moving forward.
If you have contacts or partners in the Juneau area, please reach out to share this information and encourage them to be part of the process moving forward. Partners are also encouraged to engage/provide support remotely. Presently, next steps/priorities identified include:
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Formation of a Volunteer & Donations Management Work Group: Information has been collected and now needs to be followed up on. United Way of SE Alaska has created an online form where affected residents or individuals with resources can submit information. This will help streamline the process moving forward. A meeting is planned for Wednesday (time/location will be confirmed tomorrow.) A virtual option will be available for those who want to engage and help support this effort.
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Support the State Disaster Assistance Center: Preliminary plan is to open DAC next week in Juneau. IA team is working to finalize details. VOAD partners are welcomed at the DAC to distribute information, offer assistance and to offer emotional/spiritual/mental health outreach.
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One of the most significant needs indicated by those who lost property along the river is for help with stabilization efforts – they need riprap rock and heavy equipment/operators to help protect remaining property (ground) and homes. I will be reaching out to NVOAD to inquire about resources, but I’m hoping that there might be an Alaska VOAD partner(s) who have ideas, contacts or connections that could help reduce the financial burden to homeowners. (In talking with one homeowner when touring the neighborhoods on Saturday, his contractor indicated the rock is about $350/dump truck load, with estimates of approx. $150,000 per property.)
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The next Mass Care partners meeting will be held on Monday, August 21st at 10:00 AM. Please let me know if you would like to be included in the conversation moving forward.
Thanks very much for your help and ideas to assist our Juneau family!
Blessings,
Jenni Ragland
Service Extension & Emergency Disaster Services Director
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Save the Date! The entire month of September, Foodland IGA/Ace Hardware and Super Bear IGA have invited the United Way of Southeast Alaska to once again participate in its Round Up for Charity!
Customers will have an opportunity to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar. In 2021, shoppers donated over $4,700 with pennies at a time. This year, we hope you ca help us let shoppers know of the opportunity and help spread the word!
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The Rural Partner Action Day will take place on September 11th at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall 320 Willoughby Ave from 10 to 3. Participants at the event will be offering the community free services and information that can educate them about local, state and government services. Tlingit
Haida Regional Housing Authority will be there offering free tax assistance and information about housing. Tribal child support, employment and training and general tribal help will also be there.
Tentative attendees include Taxpayer Advocate Service (IRS- There to print transcripts if needed), SAIL, Money Management (offers free consumer debtcounseling), DOL Vocational Rehab, and the VA.
If you know of other non-profits and service providers who might like to join this event, contact staff@unitedwayseak.org for contact information for the event coordinator.
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United We Thrive Spotlight |
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We would like to draw your attention this month to United Way of Southeast Alaska’s Partner Agency, the American Red Cross of Alaska. Families rely on the Red Cross to be there when disasters happen. You can also turn to the Red Cross for reliable information on preparing for disasters and minimizing their harmful effects, life-saving Red Cross training in first aid, CPR and use of an AED can be customized for your workplace, and the Red Cross can help military and international families exchange emergency messages in a crisis around in the world. Browse their site and find out more about these and the many other critical services your local Red Cross is providing each day. We are proud to partner with the Red Cross, and you can designate your support to Red Cross via the Donations Page on our website.
United We Thrive! Thank you, American Red Cross of Alaska!
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IRS Community Assistance Visit |
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The IRS is providing a temporary Taxpayer
Assistance Center to offer face-to-face help
with many tax concerns
Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority
5446 Jenkins Drive
Juneau, Alaska 99801
August 22-24 ● 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Appointments: 615-250-5327
Walk-ins welcome
Services Offered
Tax Law Assistance
Account Assistance
Payment Arrangements
Transcripts and Forms (orders only)
Payments not accepted
Required Documents
Current State or Government Issued Photo ID
Letters or Notices Received
Any Requested Documents
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