Arcticulates ®

Focusing on Alaska's Beauty

Author: K. Fields

Cry For Help!
Just the Beginning?

Emmonak needs help! This tiny town of about 800 residents here in Alaska is struggling... There isn't enough income to cover the cost of heating fuel and food. The heating fuel prices have been around $9.00 a gallon for the better part of this winter, and that doesn't even count the high cost of food since the fuel prices skyrocketed last year.

And I predict this is only the beginning of places here in Alaska and also in the other 49 states that will be sending out SOS signals, the poor economy issues are starting to take toll on many small towns, villages, and businesses...

Winter in Emmonak, Alaska

Winter Picture of Emmonak, Alaska (photographer unknown)

Photographer Unknown

The check for 1200 dollars Alaska handed out to everyone who lives in Alaska, or at least to those eligible for the dividend, was to help with the extreme costs of fuel, but it does not go far at these kind of prices. It pays for 133 gallons of heating fuel which is a drop in the bucket for 9 months of winter with extreme temps. Where I live we go thru 100 or more gallons of heating fuel a month, during the winter months, just to keep our humble abode warm, which it is a small three bedroom well insulated house and the thermostat set at 65'F. Not very big, but expensive to keep warm.

I realize that many think... why don't they just move to a place with cheaper living expenses... Well... How would you feel if someone told you, you had to leave your home and move into a place you don't know, people you don't know, and for what... lesser (not by much) fuel prices? That doesn't make sense. If that's the case then most of Alaska's citizens will need to move to the lower 48 States because Alaska consists mostly of small towns and villages that are remote, which is where the bulk of its population lives; and where the prices of heating fuel and gasoline are at their highest.

It also doesn't make sense that their fuel should be so much higher either. Sure it has to be flown into that area, but to make it cost 4 or more times the price doesn't seem right. Here in Alaska we are still paying well above 2.00 a gallon for gas in the smaller towns with road access. Where I live near a population of maybe 2500, it is still $2.89 a gallon, it seems we are always paying a dollar or more per gallon then everyone else in the country. While many places in the lower 48 states are enjoying fuel at well under $2.00 a gallon. Oh! I just heard that California is paying higher then 2.00 again. Why?
Oil - Gas - Petroleum Data

Also this specific area which also depends on the Salmon catch in the summer to bring in finances and food supplies for the winter has experienced a very low Salmon count this year, which means less food and income for the winter months.

Summer in Emmonak, Alaska

Photographer Unknown

Families in Emmonak, Alaska are trying to survive and not saying anything because of being embarrassed that they couldn't do it, until they found out it wasn't just them, that most of the people in that area are in the same boat. Then one of them decides to bring it to the attention of the officials here in Alaska. So now it is being broadcast all over the news medias! So much for handling things with consideration and respect.

So now the State Officials are looking into the problem and have sent officials from these different departments:
Departments of Commerce, Labor, Public Assistance,and what has been done so far help for Emmonak. Also Homeland Security and the Rural Alaska Community Action Program were sent there too. Tho... I do wonder why Homeland Security would be involved... hmmmm....

As rich as Alaska is in oil and other natural resources there is no excuse as to why any of its citizens should be begging for food or help. I am not saying they should be getting handouts, but they shouldn't have to feel embarrassed about needing help from extenuating circumstances either.
If anyone wants to know here is some information on how to help if you feel too:
Emmonak Tribal Council
PO Box 126
Emmonak, AK 99581
To donate with credit card, call the City of Emmonak at 907-949-1227
To ask questions about the situation there, call Nick Tucker with the tribal council 907-949-1011.
Some ill informed commenter on one article on the net made the mistake of saying that if they gave up their booze, pot, and cigarettes then they could afford to feed themselves and their families. Some people jump to conclusions and spout off about things of which they know nothing of.

It bothers me... that there are people who are so hardened by life that they can sit out there, hiding behind a computer keyboard and make ill-informed absurd, half-witted comments, and are willing to sit back and let their neighbors starve to death because of circumstances beyond their control. yet... And I can imagine this foolish commenter would be the first in line and yelling the loudest if it were themselves or their families suffering.

But what do I know!

Later...

K Fields

See Also: Natural Gas or Hot Air?