When more than 2,000 Western Alaska residents were evacuated to Anchorage after the devastation caused by Typhoon Halong, UAA stepped in to help by opening the Auxiliary Gym in the Alaska Airlines Center as an emergency shelter. The university worked closely with the Municipality of Anchorage and local agencies to ensure displaced residents had access to essential resources and support.

“We are a trusted community partner; we are proud of the swift and compassionate response from departments across our Anchorage campus who transformed the Alaska Airlines Center into a safe haven for those facing uncertainty,” said Interim Chancellor Cheryl Siemers.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy declared a state disaster in response to the devastation, a move later approved by President Donald Trump. The declaration authorizes $25 million to cover 100% of relief costs for the next 90 days, coordinated by the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in partnership with FEMA.

Additional shelters have been established at the Egan Center and the Fairview and Spenard recreation centers. Speaking at the Alaska Federation of Natives’ annual convention, Sen. Lisa Murkowski emphasized that recovery could take years, while Mayor Suzanne LaFrance said her team continues to seek long-term housing solutions, including hotel placements.