TCC draws 20 elders for July 13 home-improvement projects

Tanana Chiefs Conference drew 20 Alaska Native elders Thursday for volunteer home-improvement assistance on July 13, distributing the slots across three tiers of project intensity and simultaneously coordinating the same effort in rural Interior communities. Selected elders may receive help with up to two projects depending on scope.

Tiered Volunteer Structure

The tiered structure separates volunteer labor by scope. Ten elders were drawn for 2-hour slots covering technology help, grab-bar installation, and forms assistance; six for 4-hour yard and landscaping work; and four for 6-hour projects. A TCC representative described the most intensive tier as work that "will include extensive projects that may include painting, building ramps, larger home improvements that require additional time and hands-on support."

Participating Organizations

Organizations providing volunteer labor include Denakkanaaga, Inc., Interior Regional Housing Authority, the Fairbanks Native Association, the City of Fairbanks, TCC, and the Fairbanks North Star Borough, among other valued partners. Doyon Limited was unable to participate due to a scheduling conflict. A TCC representative traced the coalition's origin to a Denakkanaaga meeting in Galena two years ago: "Eugene and other leadership jumped on it right away so that they knew how important it is for us to give back to our elders."

Rural Extension

TCC has also asked employees in rural communities to organize local projects on the same day, extending the Fairbanks-based drawing into a region-wide effort. TCC staff will contact selected elders directly before July 13. The organization noted it could not accommodate all applicants this year but expects to continue the effort in future years. Elders not drawn were encouraged to resubmit; volunteers can sign up at tananachiefs.org or through TCC's Facebook page.