Kara Wesebaum - 638 Assistance Director

P.L. 93-638 is a contract PIA holds with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It allows us to run specific programs with the goal of aiding our tribal citizens in times of financial, educational, and health needs. See below a list of services we offer and links to downloadable applications. 

Contact Kara Wesebaum at 907-772-3636 or at ga@piatribal.org for guidance. 

General Assistance is a program that provides financial assistance payments to eligible clients  for ESSENTIAL NEEDS, which are food, clothing, utilities and shelter*. 

General Assistance is a  secondary resource and is provided only when no other resources are available such as TANF.  Public Assistance or other programs you may qualify for.  

*Funds are limited

The Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) provides cash assistance and work services to low-income families with children to help them with basic needs while they work toward becoming self-sufficient. This program is provided under the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant.

ATAP changed the traditional focus of the state’s public assistance program for needy families to an employment-focused program from an entitlement under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. Temporary Assistance stresses family self-sufficiency through employment. 

If you or a member of your family have tested positive for COVID-19 you may qualify for grocery assistance*. For rules and regulations download an application below. 

*Funds are limited.

PIA is offering a basic needs pantry to enrolled members who require assistance. The basic need project focuses on non-food essentials such as:

• Toilet paper
• Personal Hygiene Products
• Cleaning Products
• and more

Download an application and a shopping list below!

Petersburg Indian Association encourages Alaska Native and American Indian

students to apply for the following:

1) PIA Scholarship* – 1 scholarship of $500.00 will be awarded.

2) Higher Education Scholarship* – Multiple recipients; amount is based on need.

*Funds are limited.  

Contact Kara (907) 772-3636 for more information. 

Have you been thinking of your future? Trying to plan for a steady career? PIA has funding available for Tribal Members who want to further their education with a program that will give you a certificate*.  Become a medical assistant, plumber, welder, mechanic, nurse, etc. 

Contact us to apply!

The Job Placement and Training program assists eligible applicants in obtaining job skills so they can secure employment and become self-sufficient.

• Training may not exceed 24 months of full-time actual training hours.
• Registered Nurse training may not exceed 36 months of full-time actual training hours.
• Training must lead to permanent and gainful employment.

Eligibility

• Applicant must be an enrolled tribal citizen.
• Applicant must reside in Petersburg.
• Applicant must show financial need (difference between available resources and cost of training).

*Funds are limited. 

PIA distributes traditional foods seasonally. When food donations are recieved, PIA will reach out to our enrolled Tribal Members via Facebook, website updates, and/or email. Subscribe to our Email list today to make sure you don't miss out!