Community Programs (CP) provided Community Facilities (CF) grant funds in 1998 and 2000 for a badly needed clinic in Wales, Alaska. Wales is a very isolated native village on the tip of the Seward Peninsula where it juts out towards Russia (which is only 60-80 miles away). The only access to the village is by small plane or by sea. Frequent fog, high winds, crosswinds, and blizzards typify Wales’ weather. Because of the constant severe weather conditions, a clinic is absolutely critical. There can be days or weeks when planes cannot get in or out to take patients to Nome, 111 air miles southeast – the nearest available medical care facility.

Wales has a strong traditional Kinugmiut Eskimo whaling culture. Ancient songs, dances, and customs are still practiced. Skin boats are still used for sea travel. The economy of Wales is subsistence – based on hunting and fishing, trapping and gathering. Whales, walrus, polar bear, moose, salmon and other fish provide food as well as hides and fur for clothing and native crafts.

The $375,000 clinic was begun with Community Development Block Grant funds. When those funds were depleted, the borrower contacted HCFP for assistance. HCFP has worked closely with CDBG and Norton Sound Health Corporation (the Regional Native Health Corporation) to complete the project. HCFP provided $40,000 to complete the building, including a triodetic foundation. Because the clinic is located on permafrost, a triodetic foundation was required, because it will withstand the severe temperatures and allow adjustments for movement caused by permafrost thawing and destabilization. In 2000, CP provided an additional $74,000 CF grant to complete the interior of the building. All labor for this project has been and will continue to be provided by the "force-account" method, providing employment and cash income to residents of Wales.

The residents of this isolated whaling village will now have much-needed medical care.