UPDATE: Over 670 evacuees from Kipnuk, Western Alaska are currently staying in hotels in Anchorage as they face an uncertain winter. The situation, which has been developing since storms devastated their homes last month, has left families scrambling to adjust to life far from their communities.
Among those affected is Ally Shangin, who, along with her partner Garrett Kashatok and their four daughters, is trying to build a new routine in a cramped hotel room at the Wingate Hotel. “I want to go home. My girl is missing her home,” Shangin expressed, capturing the emotional toll of displacement.
The families are making do with limited resources—mostly fast food and hotel breakfasts—in stark contrast to their previous lives filled with home-cooked meals. “Fast food every day – not us,” Shangin lamented. As winter approaches, the urgency for a permanent housing solution grows, with state officials confirming an estimated 1,400 people have registered for assistance across Anchorage and other affected areas.
Jeremy Zidek, public information officer for the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, stated, “We want to ensure that the new housing is furnished and close to services.” However, there is no clear timeline for when evacuees will transition from hotels to permanent housing, leaving many families in limbo.
The community support at the Wingate is palpable, as many evacuees share similar backgrounds and experiences. The hotel has become a temporary haven where families from Kipnuk can find some comfort together. “It was gonna be heartbreaking if they didn’t come with me,” said Julia Tuutaq Stone, a police officer from Kipnuk, who is staying with her grandsons at the Aspen Hotel.
As families adapt to their new realities, challenges abound. Alexie Aqumkallak Stone shared his struggle to find work while missing the fishing and hunting lifestyle he once lived. “It’s like a nightmare,” he said, reflecting on the trauma of losing his home.
The holiday season looms with added difficulty for these families. Many are preparing to celebrate away from their beloved homes, with Kristen Amik expressing both gratitude for her relatives’ support and sadness for those without a safety net. “Even if we’re far from home, we still feel blessed,” Amik stated, highlighting the stark reality faced by those in shelters.
As Alaska’s winter deepens, officials are racing against time to restore homes and infrastructure in the storm-ravaged villages. The urgency for action cannot be overstated, as many families are left to navigate a challenging new life in Anchorage. “There’s just a lot of moving parts,” Zidek said, emphasizing the complexities involved in finding the right solution for these displaced families.
The emotional and logistical challenges continue to mount for evacuees in Anchorage, but community support and resilience shine through as they strive to rebuild their lives. Families like Shangin’s are actively seeking apartments, hopeful for a return to stability. “It was perfect,” Shangin said of an apartment they viewed. “My family will be happy. I’ll be happy because I’ll be able to cook my family food.”
As the situation develops, the focus remains on ensuring that these families receive the support they need to thrive in their new environment. The hardships they face serve as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity.
