State and nonprofit representatives told residents at a community meeting in Healy that the governor has declared the Bear Creek fire a disaster, which opens state individual-assistance programs and temporary-housing support.

Janet Drake of the State of Alaska Emergency Operations Center said the disaster declaration "opens up many doors for you guys to get plenty of assistance." She listed temporary housing and individual grants as available programs and encouraged residents to seek help at the state booth after the meeting.

John Ramsey, working with the state individual-assistance effort, summarized program specifics: the state's individual assistance housing-repair maximum is $21,250 for primary residences occupied more than six months; a personal-property component can assist with essential household items; transportation assistance may be available (the state described it as a percentage of vehicle value in the program overview); temporary rental assistance can cover up to three months of rent for renters and, for homeowners, temporary housing assistance may extend to as much as 18 months depending on HUD fair-market rents and household size. Ramsey said applicants should first pursue insurance and that the state assigns individual caseworkers to applicants.

Key application information provided: the state hotline +1 (844) 445-7131 for individual assistance, the online portal ready.alaska.gov/recovery/ia, and an application deadline in August 2025. Applicants should bring documentation such as descriptions and photos of damage, proof of homeownership or occupancy, insurance information and photo ID. Drake and Ramsey said staff would be available at the event and in the borough office to assist with applications.

Local nonprofit groups described in-person services: David Hawkins of Alaska Baptist Disaster Relief said his team has set up a shower and laundry trailer and is taking cleanup-assistance applications to return after initial operations subside; Shannon Walters of Neighbor to Neighbor described financial assistance and essential goods available to evacuees and people who lost homes and said local donations were already supporting evacuee needs; Cassie Eads of REL Developmental Health and Addictions described behavioral-health supports, family and youth services and local office locations in Healy, Anderson and Nenana for appointments.

Officials and nonprofit representatives encouraged residents to collect documentation and visit the tables and booths after the meeting to connect with caseworkers and volunteer organizations assisting cleanup and immediate needs.