When tragedy strikes, picking up the pieces is not a simple task. This was the case for the Spalding family, who lost their home to a fire this past summer. Navy veteran (1987-91) Danny Spalding, his wife, two children, and three dogs were displaced from the fire and living in a hotel. After learning about this horrible incident, Alaska Warrior Partnership (AKWP) immediately assessed what could be done to help.
Danny is a disabled veteran with various diseases that leave him with few dietary options. AKWP was able to connect Danny with a local emergency food-aid organization to help meet his dietary needs, as well as the ASPCA food bank for his dogs. Though Danny and his wife had lost so much, their main concern was stability for their children. AKWP collaborated with local organizations to provide the family with clothing donations, recreational supplies, and support for the now-added transportation costs to get their children to school. This support provided was not just physical, AKWP also connected the family with a local clinic for trauma and grief support.
Due to the rising housing prices and low insurance pay-out, Danny decided it would be best to move his family out of Alaska to somewhere they could be more financially secure. AKWP Case Coordinator Jordan Rashea has continually kept in contact with the Spalding family, to find and provide them with local resources in their new move. The family is finally ready to move on from this tragedy with a fresh start and is thankful for the holistic support AKWP has provided in navigating this process.
Alaska is stronger when our veterans are stronger. Connect with AKWP to learn more about how you can give back to the Alaskan veteran community by visiting our website and completing an online form: http://alaskawarriorpartnership.org/