Mailbag: News from Boulder Community Foundation on Wildfire Fund
Friends,
I want to thank the tens of thousands of individuals, businesses and foundations who have donated to the Boulder County Wildfire Fund. As of this morning, the fund has raised over $12 million from over 43,000 donors.
On Sunday, our board approved a grant to Boulder County to begin immediately disbursing up to $5 million in direct financial assistance to those whose homes have been destroyed or damaged and are in financial need. The board also approved up to $500,000 in direct financial assistance to evacuees in need. Funds are being disbursed through the Disaster Assistance Center at 1755 S. Public Road in Lafayette seven days a week, 9AM – 7PM
We strongly encourage anyone affected to visit the Disaster Assistance Center, regardless of whether you are in financial need or not. It is important for you to connect with Boulder County staff as soon as possible so we can, in partnership with them, better understand your current and future needs. There are also incredibly helpful resources, including representatives from all of the major insurance companies, United Policyholders, as well as FEMA on-site. We will continue to work in concert with our county partners, who will be our point of contact with individuals and families.
The foundation is in the process of establishing an advisory committee that will make recommendations to our board on how funds will be spent moving forward. This committee will include representatives from Superior and Louisville and should be up and running by Friday. We will make the names of the advisory committee public as soon as they have been confirmed.
We recognize there are immediate, short- and long- term needs from an event of this magnitude. The support approved by our board, within 72 hours of the start of the fire, is just the beginning. Over the coming days, weeks, and months, we will work in partnership with the county and our nonprofit and business partners to identify needs, fill gaps, and expand on the support being provided through state and federal sources.
The Community Foundation Boulder County has been this community’s trusted philanthropic partner for 30 years. This is the fourth emergency fund we have activated in the last two years and the sixth in our foundation’s history. Our experience has taught us to work closely with the organizations on the ground, doing what they do best, while we focus on doing what we do best, which is raising philanthropic support to meet the needs of the moment.
The word philanthropy in Greek means the love of humanity. Tens of thousands of people have poured their love – their philanthropy – into us, so that we can pour their love into you. We are committed and accountable to you, our community, and will be with you every step of the way as we rebuild.
Thank you,
Tatiana Hernandez, CEO
Boulder Community Foundation, Boulder County, 1/5/22
Boulder County Wildlife Fund – Info
I HAVE BEEN AFFECTED DIRECTLY BY THE MARSHALL FIRE; HOW CAN I GET HELP?
Those directly impacted by the fires in need of immediate assistance, should contact:
Boulder Office of Emergency Management:
(ENGLISH) www.boco.org/MarshallFire
(SPANISH) www.boco.org/MarshallFireEspanol
The Disaster Assistance Center
1755 South Public Road in Lafayette, (click to see map)
Open 9AM to 7PM seven days a week.
Boulder County community members impacted by the Marshall Fire can visit the Disaster Assistance Center to access a range of services including property loss and filing claims for assistance, financial and food assistance, mental health supports, transportation, and more.
Assistance will be available in English and Spanish.
All impacted community members are welcome regardless of documentation status.
The Boulder County Public Call Center
Please reach out to the Boulder County Public Call Center (303-413-7730) if you were impacted by the fire and need information.
Disability & Disaster Hotline:
Community members who need additional support can call/text 1.800.626.4959
MORE RESOURCES FOR HOW TO HELP AND HOW TO GET HELP>
Also, see the Lyons Recorder ARTICLE 12/31/21, which summarizes the “time line,” the update report, and list of “help/resources.”
