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Boulder County, Colo. - Boulder County residents who have been impacted by the Cal-Wood and Lefthand Canyon fires can get help with a range of needs from a newly opened Disaster Assistance Center. Services include food and health coverage assistance, help with transportation and clean-up and debris removal, and mental health supports.
The bilingual Disaster Assistance Center will operate virtually each weekday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Friday, Oct. 23. Residents who were evacuated because of the fires can call 303-441-1206 and leave a message. An experienced specialist will return the call as quickly as possible.
“We know this has been a stressful week for so many of our displaced neighbors, and we are here to help as needed as they return home,” said the Boulder County Board of County Commissioners in a joint statement. “Some members of our community sheltered miles from their homes keeping tabs on the movement of fire, many lost food due to power outages, and we know many understandably need emotional support. We have compiled resources and are here to help.”
The Disaster Assistance Center also has access to other services and supports that the Boulder County Department of Housing & Human Services (HHS) offers, including help with childcare, financial assistance, guidance for homeowners who experienced losses, and more.
“We’ve been through a few disasters together over the years, and through each we have been dedicated to ensuring people have the help they need to get through the challenges and recover,” said Angela Lanci-Macris, HHS Case Management and Community Outreach Division Manager. “Please reach out to us if you’ve been impacted by these fires. The supports are in place for a reason.”
Boulder County teams are also reaching out to mountain residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the fires, offering help navigating insurance claims and other assistance that may be available. Any homeowners who have suffered losses due to the fires should reach out to the Disaster Assistance Center if they have not been contacted.
Residents who want to donate or provide other assistance to those impacted by the fires have several options:
- For anyone seeking to donate financially, Community Foundation Boulder County is operating a 2020 Fires Relief Fund to support individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations affected by the fires: www.commfound.org/2020FiresFund.
- For those seeking to volunteer or donate goods and/or services, the Boulder Office of Emergency Management has a form at www.BoulderOEM.com/emergency-status that can help donors connect with opportunities for giving.
- Elevations Credit Union has also established a Wildfire Relief Fund at www.ElevationsCU.com
“We’ll get through this together, as we have so many times over the past decade,” said Boulder County Emergency Manager Joycelyn Fankhouser. “Emergency response always leads to recovery, and we’re all proud to be part of this chain of support for our community.”
The Public Call Center (for non-emergency questions) is also available during typical business hours each day at 303-413-7730.
The Boulder Office of Emergency Management was activated and is posting updated information on their designated channels. Please follow:
Visit us at: www.BoulderOEM.com
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