Contributed by Michele Harmeling, Outreach Coordinator
The McKinley Fire Long Term Recovery Group, whose fiscal agency and coordination is overseen by UWMS, is preparing for a busy summer and fall as it assist families in returning to their pre-disaster status. While some families have made progress, there is still much to be done before these houses can become homes.
Throughout the winter and early spring, MFLTRG supported families by working with them to prepare building plans and budgets; regularly checking in to provide emotional and grief support; providing heating and utilities assistance, and engaging in spring clean-up ahead of the building season.
Now, we are helping families to prepare driveways, approaches and pads while they finalize plans to rebuild. The help of the whole community is needed to ensure that homes are weatherized before the snow flies.
Families have need of assistance with a variety of tasks, including further clean-up, yard and lawn landscaping, finish work, and that most Alaskan of projects: building new outhouses. Interested volunteers may register at unitedwaymatsu.org/volunteer.
Our Donations Warehouse is OPEN, every Friday from noon-4pm! Our rebuild crews are currently in need of building materials, including:
· Pre-hung exterior doors and windows for six-inch walls
· Flooring materials and lumber
· OSB plywood
· T111 siding
· Ice and water shield
· Electrical wiring and receptacle boxes
· R19 and R30 insulation
· Other items, on an individual basis
The Donations Warehouse is located at 28468 Talkeetna Spur Rd., across from the float plane docks. For safety reasons, you MUST be willing to load and unload items yourself, as well as follow any posted COVID-19 guidelines. Questions? Call 907-232-1890.
As always, financial donations allow the MFLTRG to purchase exactly what each family needs, when it’s most needed. All donations will be used to benefit fire survivors by meeting specific requests, and may be tax-deductible. To make a contribution, visit unitedwaymatsu.org, click “Donate”, and be sure to check the box that designates your gift toward McKinley Fire Relief.
Virtual is Our New Reality
While we continue to work largely from home, your United Way of Mat-Su staff may be busier than ever!
· Bi-weekly work group sessions addressing topics ranging from COVID-19 recovery for small businesses, nonprofits and individuals; access to PPE; food security in the Valley; transportation; affordable housing, and more.
· Providing administration and guidance for additional grant funds provided through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.
· Assisting local agencies engaged in programs and services vital to healthy, positive life change for individuals and families, including Beacon Hill/Safe Families for Children, Mat-Su Borough School District, and others.
· Convening area coalitions for virtual work sessions and coffee-and-chat style collaboration, including the Alaska Wellness Coalition and Thrive Mat-Su.
· Attending community and local advisory board meetings virtually or by call-in to advocate for Education, Financial Stability and Health for all.
· Creating, printing and distributing resources, such as a one-page COVID-19 Resource Guide, and the full Mat-Su Valley Resource Guide.
· Monitoring local disaster mass care around the state (potential flooding, wildfire danger and COVID-19 response), offering support where we are able.
Early Childhood Partnership Supports Local Childcare Providers
Through the generous partnership of Mat-Su Health Foundation, the Early Childhood Partnership has been able to award grants to local childcare providers for Center Repairs and Improvements. These grants are designed to assist daycares in making their facilities safer and more appealing.
Our FY2020 grant recipients are:
· Tree of Life Child Development Center, Palmer
· Profiles of Excellence, Palmer
· A Touch of Home Daycare, Wasilla
· Ray’s Childcare and Learning, Palmer-Wasilla Highway
· Palmer LifeWays, Palmer
Congratulations to all grant recipients and thank you for all you do for Valley little ones!
ECP has been pleased to offer reimbursements to many Valley childcare facilities during the COVID-19 crisis.
These reimbursements were issued to centers for qualified expenses such as food for meal programs, cleaning, personal hygiene and sanitation supplies, and PPE such as fabric masks for staff.
We hope to be able to provide similar assistance in the near future.
