The Sitka Tribe of Alaska is kicking off a new COVID relief program. STA Tribal Council Chairman Woody Widmark and Outreach caseworker Jean Swanson joined KCAW’s Erin Fulton to announce that all Tribal Citizens will qualify for a one-time $1000 payment this spring.
The funding is coming from the over $22 million dollars in federal COVID relief that STA received in 2021 from the American Rescue Plan Act. Over the last two years, that money has been spent on everything from immediate health and safety needs, to childcare grants and transportation. Over 20% went to direct cash assistance for citizens.
Read the full press release here
The program is open to STA Tribal Citizens of all ages, whether they live in Sitka or elsewhere. Outreach caseworker Jean Swanson said the Tribe will be hosting several events in February to help with the application process, including a clinic on February 10 at 204 Siginaka Way, and assistance during the regular Elder coffee meeting on February 13 at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
The application period for STA’s COVID relief program opens today (1-22-24). Enrolled Tribal Citizens have until March 31 to apply. Applications and more information can be found at sitkatribe.org or by calling 747-3207, or by emailing arpa@sitkatribe-nsn.gov.
