February 5, 2026, interview with Sara Whipple and Lori Draper by the Seward Folly Staff

After a two-year pause, Seward Cares returned this January as part of the 2026 Project Homeless Connect (PHC) initiatives. The event, held at the AVTEC Gym, brought together vital resources under one roof, echoing similar efforts across Alaska and the nation to support people experiencing homelessness or significant hardship.

Seward hadn’t hosted the program since 2023, leaving many in the community wondering about its absence. When questions arose, Lori Draper reached out to local advocates for answers. That outreach led Sara Whipple of the Seward Independent Living Center to step forward and organize the event, with Draper assisting behind the scenes.

Organizers Sara Whipple and Lori Draper. Volunteer Juan Sabalones, Seward Senior Center Program Manager. Photos by Seward Folly Staff

Below are excerpts from an interview with event organizer, Sara Whipple:

1. Why is Seward Cares an important event for Seward?
   Seward Cares is a vital part of a nationwide effort to rapidly connect neighbors experiencing housing instability with essential, free services. By holding this event locally, we collect the specific data necessary to ensure Seward is included in broader conversations regarding government funding and resource allocation for those in need.
2. Why did you restart the event again at this particular time?
   After the previous local lead moved away in 2023, there was a gap in our local participation. At the Independent Living Center, we have seen a steady increase in locals seeking support to navigate barriers to healthcare and housing, so I joined the Kenai Peninsula Homelessness Coalition and, with their guidance, agreed to coordinate the event to ensure Seward didn’t miss the nationwide Point-In-Time (PIT) count. One of the many duties of our non-profit agency is systems advocacy. Our goal is to ensure Seward participates in this event and continues to coordinate resources for our at-risk community members for as long as it is needed.
3. Preliminary Impact
   While we are still finalizing the numbers, we estimate that we served approximately 40 at-risk or homeless individuals. The event was made possible by over 50 community members, including individuals from 30 separate agencies, who volunteered their time and services. Twenty separate resource tables were available at the event.
4. What agencies assisted with the event:
   Central Peninsula Hospital, The Independent Living Center, AvTec, Seward City Transit, Love Inc, Qutekcak Native Tribe, Providence Seward Mountain Haven, Providence Seward Medical Center, Chugachmiut Regional Health Center, Seward Community Health Center, American Legion Post #5, Frozen Cactus Salon, Seward Prevention Coalition, Seward Ministerial Association, Seward Alaska Rotary Club, Seaview Community Services, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Alaska Breast & Cervical, KPBSD McKinney-Vento Program, Seward City Church, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Seward United Methodist Church, Seward Senior Center, AK Department of Health, AK Department of Labor, Department of Veteran Affairs, Alaska Housing & Finance Corporation (Glacier View Apartments), Pacific Park Apartments, Ukanuzit, The Church of the Nazarene, Seward Family Dentistry

Seward Cares was designed to reduce barriers to assistance by bringing a range of resources together in a single, confidential setting. Attendees completed anonymous surveys upon arrival, helping organizers pinpoint the most urgent needs. Volunteers then guided each participant to the services best suited for them.

One volunteer described the day as “truly an uplifting experience,” adding that the participants gave them hope for the future.

Community support for Seward Cares is strong, with high volunteer turnout and agencies eager to continue their involvement. The program’s goals remain clear: to connect people with the help they need and to gather data that clarifies the realities of homelessness and hardship in Seward.

There are ongoing discussions for the Rotary Club to take a lead role in organizing future events, which would help ensure the program’s stability and continuity. Seward Cares remains open to anyone in need, with all participation kept strictly confidential.