Makah Tribe COVID-19 Emergency Grant

Geographic Scope: Makah Indian Reservation, Neah Bay, Washington
Focus Areas: Emergency financial assistance for tribal veterans during COVID-19
Date Issued: March 27, 2020

Geographic & Community Context

• Location: Neah Bay, Clallam County, Washington (most northwesterly tip of Washington State)
• Distance from services: Approximately 75 miles from Port Angeles, Washington
• Population characteristics: Remote, fishing-dependent community
• Local resources: One general store, one restaurant, one Post Office, one Mini Mart/Gas Station

Program Description

In response to the Makah Tribal Council's "Stay Home Stay Healthy Order" enacted March 20, 2020, WWFS provided immediate emergency funding to support 58 tribal veterans and their families facing severe economic hardship from:

• Closure of the reservation due to COVID-19
• Inability to access neighboring services
• Delayed major fishing season (primary economic driver)
• Loss of tourism revenue
• Inflated cost of goods at local stores
• Inability to access utilities and provisions from Port Angeles

What They Fund

• Food vouchers ($100 per veteran) for Washburn's General Store
• Utility bill assistance ($200 per veteran)
• Emergency household support

Recipient Information

• Number served: 58 veterans and their families
• Distribution: $100 food vouchers + $200 utility vouchers per veteran
• Administering agency: Makah Senior Program

Community Challenges Addressed

• Remote location limited access to affordable goods
• Fishing industry collapse due to pandemic delay
• Closed reservation boundaries preventing access to neighboring cities
• Higher cost of living in isolated area
• Limited services for local Veteran's Post (TRSO meetings suspended)