Alaska Typhoon: We Will Bring Them Hope

Among the hundreds of American Red Cross disaster volunteers helping in Alaska are Scott Marder, communications manager, National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Red Cross Region, and Alli Katterheinrich, regional philanthropy partner, Northwest Ohio Red Cross Region. The two recently shared some of what they have experienced during their deployment.

Both spoke about how the Red Cross in Alaska is providing culturally informed care to those impacted by the storm. “Training has been centered on respecting the culture of those we are here to serve,” Katterheinrich reported. “This was by far the most emphasized point. Not the logistics of opening the shelter, but how to be respectful of these individuals who were staying in the shelter.”

“What struck me most was the sensitivity to honoring cultural traditions.” Marder said. “One story stood out: The University of Alaska shared that their food staff prepared traditional dishes for shelter residents — fish soup and seal meat. People also joined together in traditional dances. Both were seen as vital for healing.”

“These men described their love for their home state. I watched them both realize that their villages and livelihoods were forever changed.”

Alli Katterheinrich describes her interaction with people staying in the Red Cross shelter in Bethel, Alaska.

7:00 a.m. Arrival in Bethel
“When I got on the plane, I had no idea what to expect. We're getting ready to land, and I can’t believe we’re landing here in the middle of the tundra. There's nothing around – no lights, no buildings, not even an airport – just one small building with a luggage conveyor belt and security.

The small shelter at the Armory in Bethel serves as the go-between from the villages to Anchorage. When we arrived, there were only two families here. I was approached by a preteen girl who told me about her helicopter adventure, her excitement for being reunited with family in Anchorage, and how she’ll be spending her upcoming birthday in the city. Her pajamas, given to her by the Red Cross, had cardinals on them. I told her how those are my favorite birds because it means a loved one is visiting you. This made her smile, as she thought of her grandmother.

Departing Bethel
Today, I sat down in the Bethel shelter to do some quick computer work. I was wearing my Red Cross vest when I was approached by a shelter resident.

He told me about his village of Nightmute. After the storm came through, he had to wade through chest-high water, seeing his family’s boats, four-wheelers and snowmobiles destroyed.

I spoke with a father from Kwigillingok. With visible heartbreak, he told me when the storm hit, his house was swept two miles downstream with him and his family inside.

I watched them both realize that their villages and livelihoods were forever changed. You could see them relive the horrific moments of being inside their homes as they were lifted off their foundations and carried through the water. They spoke of the impossible choice between protecting their families or staying on the land their elders built.

It has been incredibly moving to witness the resiliency of these communities. Knowing their work ethic, with the support of community partners like the Red Cross, there’s hope that it will be okay.”

“Recent news stories all described the places as ‘remote’ or ‘inaccessible.’ The people who live there would describe these places as home.”

Before he left Maryland for Alaska, Scott Marder did research on the people he would meet in Alaska, the communities, their culture, so he could approach them and their way of life with respect and dignity. Scott is serving as a photographer as part of the Public Affairs Team.

6:50 a.m. – BWI Airport
“I arrived at my gate at just before 7:00 a.m. The beautiful, orange glow of the pre-dawn sky struck me – it stood in stark contrast to the devastation people are facing in Alaska.

I slept little last night. Waking at 2:00 a.m., I wondered about the people we were going to help, about their communities, their way of life. So, I did what anyone would do today – I turned to ChatGPT. I learned as much as I could about the people, the communities and their culture.

I read the operation’s most recent report, as well as recent news stories. They all described the places hit hard by the flooding as “remote” or “inaccessible.” I doubt the people who live there would use those same words. They would describe these places as home, just like I do for my town in Maryland. It is where they raised their families, where they themselves were raised and where they buried their ancestors. It is where their way of life was all they knew, just as my suburban experience is mine. First and foremost, it is their home.

Now, many will never return to their same homes because they have been washed away or destroyed. I worry how long it will be before they can return to the mundane normalcy of everyday life. The articles I read mentioned that with winter approaching and the need to fly in supplies or transport them by water, rebuilding won’t happen until spring at the earliest. I don’t know if this is accurate, but I worry about these families.

While I don’t know the answer to these questions, as I hear them calling my flight, there is one thing I do know – I will work hard and do my very best to help these communities. And I know that every other Red Crosser coming from across the country will do the same. We will also do what we can to provide more than just a bed, a warm meal and the basic necessities of life. We will bring them hope. That is why we do this work.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP Thousands of people in Alaska have lost everything and will be unable to return home for months while winter keeps them out of their villages. People are depending on the Red Cross for help, and we need your support. Help people affected by disasters big and small — whenever and wherever they occur across the country — by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief at redcross.org or by calling 1- 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).