Over the holiday, multiple wind-stoked wildfires forced thousands of Coloradans to evacuate their homes in Boulder County. Both Louisville and Superior have lost hundreds of homes and structures to the fire, which officials are calling the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history. Biden has since declared the wildfires as a state-wide disaster.
We are devastated by the news from Boulder County, and we ask that you keep those communities in mind as we move into the new year. Across the state and country, communities are rallying to support those who have lost their homes and their livelihoods. CMWN has compiled a list of resources and contacts for those affected by the fires — please consider donating to or sharing one of the many invaluable resources linked below:
MATERIAL RESOURCES:
- If you or a loved one has been impacted by the fires, please contact Boulder County officials. Phone: 303-413-7730. For questions, to report missing people, or to report non-emergency issues.
- Disaster Assistance Center: Government & Non-profit organizations will be onsite providing direct assistance to those impacted and in need of resources at 1755 South Public Road, Lafayette, CO 80027, open 9am – 7pm, 7 days-a-week, beginning Monday, January 3rd.
- The YMCA of Northern Colorado has opened its doors as a Red Cross Shelter with “tons of water, supplies, toiletries, towels, food, etc, at 2800 Dagny Way in Lafayette.”
- Active Louisville Kids has water, food, blankets and clothing available at 1970 Centennial Dr., Louisville. The phone number is 303-665-9669.
- Community Foundation Boulder County is collecting monetary donations for those who have been impacted by the fires.
- The Boulder Office of Emergency Management said people who can offer shelter to displaced residents should sign up online to be a vetted host through the Airbnb Open Homes Program. The program will contact people if needed.
- If you have found or lost a pet, please visit this facebook page or this website– additionally, if you are able to house or board lost and affected pets, please do so.
- Colorado Pet Pantry: Today through Sunday, Colorado Pet Pantry will work together with several organizations at the Boulder County Disaster Assistance Center, located at the Boulder County Southeast Hub, 1755 South Public Road, Lafayette, to provide pet food and supplies to those affected. Click here to see their pop-up calendar. Follow this link if you would like to volunteer.
- For those directly impacted needing federal support, FEMA put out a press release with important information on applying for disaster assistance and has opened up applications for federal support.
- Additional volunteer opportunities can be found at coloradoresponds.org.
- Additional lists of resources and donation options can be found here.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
- JFS Boulder County Crisis Counseling: In response to multiple tragic events over the last year, Jewish Family Service and Community Foundation Boulder County have partnered to offer counseling services to Boulder County residents. The program offers up to $500 towards five individual counseling sessions (a maximum of $100 per session), or up to $875 towards five family counseling sessions (a maximum of $175 per session) and provides a pool of licensed providers from which to choose.
- Colorado Responds has a comprehensive list of ways to help those in crisis.
- BoulderOEM.com is full of resources for survivors of wildfires.
- Those seeking mental health support related to the fire are encouraged to visit www.boco.org/WildfireMentalHealth for resources.
- Mental Health Partners: mhpcolorado.org/mental-health/ or 303-443-8500. If you are in crisis, please use this link.
- Boulder County Wildfire Mental Health – 303-441-1100
- Victim Advocate Line – 303-441-3856
- National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP
- If you need to talk to someone immediately or need help navigating services, please call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255.
- Residents can also call the Victim Advocate line at 303-441-3856.
- The Disability and Disaster Hotline can be reached at: 800-626-4959 (call/text)
The effects of such a traumatic event on a community can be devastating. We are committed to connecting people to trauma-informed resources and avenues to open up about their experiences. If you know of anyone that needs these resources, please do not hesitate to share this post with them.