BIA money, donations keep Alaska Native women's shelter going

Friday, July 6, 2012  

An Alaska Native women's shelter that was in danger of closing due to lack of funds can now stay open thanks to an outpouring of support.

The Emmonak Women’s Shelter was mentioned in May 23, 2012, New York Times article about domestic violence in Indian Country. Since then, the shelter has received $30,000 in donations and an additional $50,000 came from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

“Every year Alaskans come together to ‘Choose Respect’ and fight the epidemic of abuse in our state,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said in a press release. “I thank the Bureau of Indian Affairs for working with me to allow these men and women to continue protecting and serving some of the most vulnerable Alaskans.”

In addition to money, the shelter has received diapers, baby formula, nonperishable food and other items from the public. The aid will allow services to resume 24 hours a day.

“People have been so kind, so generous, so understanding,” Lenora Hootch, who previously served as director of the shelter, told the Times. “We had to lay off staff but we’ve been able to rehire them, and we hope this money will help us pull through until we receive funding.”

Get the Story:
With Grant, an Alaska Women’s Shelter Can Reopen (The New York Times 7/6)

KNOM: Women's shelter in Alaska Native village receives funding (7/5)