Haines/Klukwan Senior Center Faces Uncertainty Amid Trump Administration Cuts

Amid the steady hum of chatter at the Haines/Klukwan Senior Center, seniors gather three days a week to enjoy a $5 lunch and socialize. For many, this center serves as their sole outlet, providing cooked meals and companionship.

However, recent moves by the Trump administration have raised concerns over the future of programs like the Administration for Community Living, which funds services for older people and people with disabilities. The plan to dismantle the office and cut off employees has sparked uncertainty for nonprofits like Catholic Community Service, which operates the senior center.

As the population of seniors continues to grow in Southeast Alaska, the lack of clarity from the administration on how funding will be administered moving forward has caused anxiety among those who rely on these vital services.

While the Senior Center continues to function normally, the question of its future looms large. Residents like Donald Poling, who relies heavily on the center for transportation and other services, express concern over the potential consequences of the administration’s actions.

With the uncertainty surrounding the future of programs that serve seniors and people with disabilities, communities in Alaska, such as Haines, are left wondering about the impact of the Trump administration cuts and the reshuffling of federal resources.

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Photo credit alaskapublic.org