The images and news from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in the wake of typhoon Haplong are devastating. While I am thankful that our villages along the Lower Yukon and the Chukchi Sea did not experience the same levels of destruction as communities like Kipnuk and Kwigillingnok, I ask all of us in the Diocese of Alaska to remain persistent in prayers for these our siblings in Christ, and to consider contributing to the relief efforts in the hardest hit areas.
The Diocese of Alaska has pledged $2,000 to the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund through the Alaska Community Foundation.
I am grateful for the response from Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), who contacted me to ask how ERD might assist with relief efforts. Since we do not have any established church contacts in the Y-K Delta, it is difficult for ERD to work directly with needs in the area. I suggested that ERD partner with the Alaska Community Foundation in support of the Western Alaska Disaster Fund.
ERD is now also aware of the flooding and potential relief and recovery needs in Kivalina and Kotzebue from the first storm that blew through Northwestern Alaska three days before typhoon Haplong. I am waiting to hear from Kivalina and Kotzebue after they have an opportunity to assess relief and recovery needs. The Diocese of Alaska and ERD stand ready to assist with direct support to those communities as requested and directed by their church and community.
See how you can help: Western Alaska Disaster Relief 2025 Fund
