The shop local disaster relief program, a collaboration between the Haines Chamber of Commerce, Haines Economic Development Corporation and Chilkoot Indian Association (CIA), shut down Jan. 20 after distributing roughly $14,000 to 27 displaced families.
The program pooled donations from individuals and businesses throughout the region, distributing those in the form of gift cards for local businesses to eligible families. Chamber executive director Tracey Harmon said they worked with the Salvation Army to identify a list of 34 eligible families—anyone displaced by the December flooding and landslides.
Harmon said the amount families received varied as some opted to receive less than the full amount. The average was $600 plus a $100 IGA gift card donated by Mike Ward.
Those who took advantage of the program said they appreciated how quickly it made relief available and the flexibility it gave them to address specific needs.
“I would say there aren’t any other forms of assistance right now. I’m still talking with state and insurance. It’s literally that voucher program and the Salvation Army that are keeping me afloat,” said Spruce Grove resident Lindsey Edgar, whose home was damaged by flooding.
Edgar said the majority of the gift cards she received through the program were for local grocery stores. She also received a few for Ampersand and Alaska Backcountry Outfitters, which she used to purchase gifts during the holidays.
“(The gift cards) felt like our own little special gift that people were giving without having their name on it. It was really powerful,” Beach Road resident Vanessa Wishstar said. She said the cards gave her family the flexibility to purchase personal items like food that catered to specific dietary restrictions.
“In the very beginning, the Legion provided us with the basics, but we all lead very different lives. You can’t meet everyone’s needs. I couldn’t necessarily eat a lot of the food at the Legion, so the gift cards were really helpful,” she said.
Harmon said grocery store gift cards were by far the most popular. Families also selected gift cards for stores like Olerud’s and Miles Furniture in order to meet immediate needs like clothing and replacing household items.
The shop local relief program was designed to help with short-term needs and is closing at a time when other programs like the state’s individual assistance are starting to take effect, according to Harmon.
Those impacted by the natural disaster have until Feb. 26 to apply for the state’s individual assistance program at http://www.ready.alaska.gov or by calling 1-800-537-4213.
Residents with unmet needs are also encouraged to reach out to the Salvation Army, even if they’ve spoken with the organization in the past, to make sure the organization is aware of those needs. Residents can schedule an appointment by calling 766-2470.