Hello, Newsletter Readers -
Normally, we would start off this newsletter by looking with excitement toward the new year - new resolutions, new chances to reset, new opportunities for growth. However, for many people in our community, the new year began with unimaginable loss during the Marshall and Middle Fork Fires. We want to acknowledge the suffering faced by our neighboring communities (as well as celebrate the amazing outpouring of love and support by individuals and businesses throughout the state and across the country) and provide a hub of resources to begin to assist with recovery. Let's be honest - this past year was emotionally exhausting. It's okay to feel your feelings and when needed, seek help and support from others. This newsletter is dedicated to providing information about assistance to those who lost everything.
Instead of raising glasses to new resolutions, let us look forward to the rest of the year with renewed resilience. Let us celebrate the first responders who fearlessly went into the line of danger, the utilities workers laboring around the clock to restore some sense of normalcy and the neighbors who opened doors to strangers seeking refuge. Let us take time to mourn with those facing great loss. And let us remain hopeful for the future, thanks to the many businesses and individuals working selflessly to help those in need. Cheers to a 2022 that will make us all stronger and kinder humans.
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Last Newsletter we asked about your favorite part of the holidays - the top answer was decorative lights. This week, we are hoping you take some time for self-care. |
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How do you practice self-care?
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Exercising and being outdoors
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Practicing meditation and mindfulness
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Marshall and Middle Fork Fire Resources |
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On December 30, 2021, fires broke out in neighboring communities in Boulder County, specifically impacting Superior and Louisville. The Boulder County Sheriff's Office estimates that over 900 structures have been lost, making the Marshall Fire the most devastating in Colorado history.
As thousands of people begin the process of rebuilding, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Whether you personally lost a home, know friends who did or you feel the weight of grieving around you and want to take action - there are ways to help.
To Donate:
- To donate shelter, food, materials or services, visit the Boulder County Office of Emergency Management's donation page.
- Donate through the Red Cross here or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10.
- The Boulder County Community Foundation has set up a donation link to raise funds for ongoing community needs as Superior, Louisville and all affected communities grapple with the damage from the fires.
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University of Colorado has set up a Student Emergency Fund and Staff & Faculty Emergency Fund to make financial donations.
- BVSD partners at Impact on Education are gathering donations for BVSD families impacted through their Critical Needs Fund and will be prepared to help students, schools and staff affected by the wildfires.
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More ways to help.
Resource For Those Impacted:
- For questions, to report missing people or to report non-emergency issues, the Boulder County Call Center can be reached at 303-413-7730.
- The Boulder County Disaster Assistance Center, located at the Boulder County Southeast County Hub at 1755 South Public Road in Lafayette, will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week, and will include specialists from Boulder County Housing and Human Services, Public Health, and Community Services, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mental Health Partners, many other area government and nonprofit organizations and insurers. The Boulder County Center Call Center also has information on the Disaster Assistance Center at 303-413-7730.
- For those directly impacted by the fires in need of immediate assistance, visit the Boulder Office of Emergency Management or call 303-413-7730 (Boulder County residents). The American Red Cross is also offering direct assistance.
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YMCA of Northern Colorado has opened its doors as a Red Cross Shelter with water, supplies, toiletries, towels, food, etc. at their YMCA at 2800 Dagny Way in Lafayette. If you have a need, come to the Y and take what you will use (diapers, deodorant, pet food, oral care, etc.) They will be open 24 hours a day.
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More resources for those impacted.
Businesses Offering Support:
- Restaurants Revive is a group of Boulder and Denver area restaurants offering hot meals to displaced residents of the Marshall and Middle Fork Fires, in partnership with World Central Kitchen and Conscious Alliance along with support from the Northwest Chamber Alliance and the Downtown Boulder Partnership. Find a continuously updated list of restaurants here.
- The Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau has a list of hotels offering discounted rooms, the list will be updated regularly.
- BVSD’s Trauma Support Team has been activated and will be working to offer support to students virtually in the coming days. If you know of a student who needs support during this difficult time, please let them know through this Google Form.
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More businesses offering support.
Mental Health Resources:
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Found Downtown
Bring a gift card of $20 or more (Target, Walmart, Costco, grocery stores, restaurants) to this business and they will give you a free kids' scoop! They will then attach free cone coupons to each gift card and get them to an organization distributing to displaced families or those they know in need! Know where to find it downtown?
Email your answer to info@downtownboulder.org with the subject line "Found Downtown" by Jan. 18 for a chance to win a $25 Downtown Boulder Gift Card. Congrats to Karen, our last Found Downtown winner! The correct answer was: 1320 Pearl Street.
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