Evacuees from Western Alaska Adapt to Life in Anchorage Hotels

Hundreds of evacuees from Western Alaska are currently residing in hotels and with relatives in Anchorage following destructive storms that ravaged their homes last month. Among them is Ally Shangin, her partner Garrett Kashatok, and their four daughters—Katelynn, 9, Allyssa, 3, Lola, 2, and Shameka, 11 months. The family is adapting to their new life at the Wingate hotel, where they face both new routines and challenges.

In a cramped hotel room on November 14, 2025, Ally painted her daughter Lola’s face, while their other children played amidst a clutter of toys and strollers. The family is part of a group of approximately 670 evacuees who have sought refuge in Anchorage hotels. The state is working on a plan to transition these families into apartments, though many remain uncertain about their futures. “I want to go home. My girl is missing her home. My honey misses our home,” Shangin expressed, highlighting the emotional toll of displacement.

According to Jeremy Zidek, the public information officer for the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, over 1,400 individuals have registered for state assistance in Anchorage, Bethel, and other affected areas. Beyond those staying in city hotels, many have moved in with family or friends, complicating the overall count of displaced residents.

As winter approaches, state and federal agencies are focused on repairing homes and infrastructure in the affected villages. Still, some areas remain severely damaged, making a return for many evacuees impractical this season. Zidek noted there is currently no timeline for moving families from hotels into more permanent housing. Officials aim to ensure that any new accommodations are furnished and conveniently located near essential services.

Life in the hotel poses its own set of challenges. Shangin mentioned that their room is equipped only with a mini fridge and a microwave, restricting their usual dietary habits. “Fast food every day – not us,” she said, reflecting on how her children are accustomed to home-cooked meals and traditional Native food.

Childcare has also become a significant concern for the family. Katelynn, the oldest daughter, is homeschooling and wakes up early to complete her studies before her siblings rise. Shangin relies heavily on Katelynn to assist with her younger siblings, a responsibility she did not have back in Kipnuk, a village with a population of about 700. “In Anchorage, I don’t feel safe letting them play outside alone,” she remarked.

Despite the challenges, the hotel has fostered a sense of community among the evacuees. Many families from Kipnuk share the space, and Zidek mentioned that efforts have been made to keep these families together as they transition to new housing.

Another evacuee, Julia Tuutaq Stone, who serves as a police officer in Kipnuk, is staying at the Aspen Hotel in East Anchorage with her adult sons and grandsons. Stone expressed gratitude that her family could stay united during this difficult time, stating, “It was gonna be heartbreaking if they didn’t come with me.” The hotel offers free meals three times a day, which has alleviated some of the strain on her family.

Stone’s grandson attends a Yuip’ik immersion program at College Gate Elementary School, allowing him to engage with other children. “My kids are having a lot of fun here. They’re enjoying their stay here,” she said, although she acknowledged the discomfort of their situation, noting, “It’s not my kind of life. My life was subsistence.”

As the family seeks stability, Stone’s son, Alexie Aqumkallak Stone, is applying for jobs in Anchorage, anticipating a prolonged stay until it is safe to return home. He struggles with memories of the storm that destroyed their home, recalling, “I still have nightmares about the storm, about watching my house flood and feeling it float away.” Despite the trauma, Stone expressed relief that no one was injured in Kipnuk but recognized the ongoing struggles faced by many.

Preparing for the holiday season brings additional challenges for the evacuees. Stone remarked on the difficulty of spending Thanksgiving and Christmas away from home, a sentiment echoed by others in similar situations.

In South Anchorage, Kristen Amik and her family of seven also face a changed holiday experience. After evacuating from Kipnuk and staying at a mass shelter, they are currently residing with relatives. “Even if we’re far from home, we still feel blessed to be here with them,” Amik said, acknowledging the sadness that comes from knowing many evacuees lack the same support network.

Despite the difficulties, Amik’s children are adjusting to their new surroundings. Her oldest daughter has begun school and is making friends, although the transition has not been without its emotional hurdles. “When we first got here, she was crying here and there,” Amik shared.

Back at the Wingate hotel, Shangin’s family is proactively searching for apartments. They have viewed several options and have filled out paperwork for rental assistance. Shangin described a two-bedroom apartment they liked, emphasizing how it would allow her children to have their own space and restore a sense of normalcy. “It was perfect,” she said. “My family will be happy. I’ll be happy because I’ll be able to cook my family food.”

As the situation unfolds, the resilience of these families in the face of adversity remains evident. While they navigate the complexities of life in Anchorage, their hope for a return to normalcy and the comfort of home persists.