TCC offers disaster relief to tribal members hit by fire, flooding

Tanana Chiefs Conference's Emergency Assistance Program provides one-time payments to enrolled tribal members whose homes or possessions are damaged by fire or natural disasters, including flooding and high winds.

The program covers household appliances, food loss, winter gear replacement, and home repair or replacement. No income requirement applies.

"Support may include assistance for replacement of household appliances, food loss or spoilage, which is especially important for families who rely on stored or subsistence foods," said Roxanne Sarapis, coordinator for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program at Tanana Chiefs Conference.

Assistance is provided as a one-time payment per disaster, per household.

Four communities administer assistance directly through local tribal offices: Fort Yukon, Northway, New Lato, and Tanana. Residents of other TCC member villages should first check with their tribe to see if funding is available, then complete the application through the TCC website at tananachiefs.org or by contacting the Emergency Assistance Team at [email protected] or 907-452-8251 extension 6812.

With breakup season in full swing, TCC is encouraging residents to prepare emergency kits that include food, water, medications, and important documents. Communities are also urged to identify emergency response equipment such as boats, flotation devices, and rescue tools.