Concerns over finding housing for visitors during the July totem-raising has led to formation of a housing committee within the WCA; and everything appears to be fine — for now.

Consisting of three members — Christie Jamieson, Amber Wade and DaNika Smalley — the committee has reached out to every possible resource they could think of, in order to arrange housing for potentially hundreds of island visitors during the three-day event July 18-20.

“We contacted the Stikine Inn, the Sourdough Lodge, all the bed and breakfast locations, and even the churches,” Jamieson explained. “We’re grateful for all those who have answered the call to help. It seems like we have everyone taken care of, but there’s always the possibility that someone could contact us right before the event.”

Jamieson said the old community gym/multi-purpose room is not available for bed space, but the showers and kitchen will be available to guests.

“I’m also telling people that (tent) camping is available and free at City Park and Shoemaker Park,” she explained. “RV camping is also available (at the Shoemaker RV Park), but there is a cost for that and people would need to contact … the Parks and Recreation Department about that.”

Jamieson said quite a few people made lodging arrangements on their own, but as fewer rooms were available the concern started to grow.

“Housing has always been a challenge in Wrangell,” she remarked. “We’re less than a month away from the totem raising and we just want to have a successful event.”

Jamieson said she encourages anyone with a spare room in their home or apartment to contact her or the other housing council members.

“If someone wants to help provide space, they can call me at 907-305-0117, or email me at cljamieson56@gmail.com,” she said. “Or they could also email Amber Wade at awade@wrangell.com, or DaNika Smalley at danikarae_smalley@yahoo.com.”