ANCHORAGE, AK — At the request of the State of Alaska, the American Red Cross of Alaska is standing up a shelter in Anchorage for residents displaced by the recent storms in western Alaska. Residents currently at the shelter in Bethel who evacuated from Kipnuk and Kwigillingok will be relocated to the shelter location in Anchorage. The Red Cross is anticipating sheltering around 300 residents in the immediate future. At this shelter location, residents will receive a safe place to stay, food, emergency relief supplies, emotional support and health services.

The Red Cross will continue to assist with the shelter operation in Bethel as the location serves as a transition point for residents evacuating from Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. The Red Cross is partnering with other local agencies to provide wrap-around support for these residents in need. Disaster volunteers from across the state and the Lower 48 will be assisting with this disaster relief operation.

We know that people want to do everything they can to help after a disaster, and financial donations are the quickest and best way to help those who need it most. Donations of items divert resources away from our mission — whereas financial donations can be used right away to directly help those affected. When possible, the Red Cross partners with organizations that manage donations of goods. Please check with other local organizations to see if donated goods are needed before collecting or dropping off donations of clothing or household items.

In all cases, due to health code regulations, the Red Cross cannot accept donations of home-cooked meals or food items not prepared in a commercial kitchen.

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).

Please follow the American Red Cross of Alaska on Facebook for additional information and disaster response updates.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.