Yellowknifers in need of financial support after this summer’s evacuation have more time to apply to a new fund established by the disaster assistance arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
A form from Adra, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, originally asked for applications to be submitted by October 18. That deadline has now been extended to Friday, October 20.
“We have received quite a number of applications, however, there is still room to accept more. Therefore, the deadline for the submission of applications has been extended,” said Pastor Courage Nyathi of the Yellowknife Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Applicants are asked where in Yellowknife, Ndılǫ or Dettah they live, their household size, and a few other questions about the kinds of challenge they face.
Nyathi earlier said he believed sums available start at $150 per person and increase depending on household size. The fund is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, he said.
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The Adventist Development and Relief Agency “wanted to help us during the time of the evacuation but were not able to source funds at the time,” Nyathi told Cabin Radio last week. “Now, they are able to access some funds that they can make available to our community.”
Nyathi said the fund was focused on the Yellowknife area for the time being, not the broader NWT.
He urged people to apply if they are “struggling with financial difficulties due to a lack of employment or reduced income as a result of the wildfires.”
“We want this to benefit the people of Yellowknife, regardless of who they are. We don’t select according to religion or whatever,” Nyathi said.
“As long as you can prove that you are a resident of Yellowknife, we will help you.”
