Last updated on Jan. 11, 2022
Communities have begun the recovery process in the wake of the devastating fires in Boulder County. Here is a list of resources to receive aid or help those impacted by the Marshall and Middle Fork fires.
Resources available starting this week
- Boulder OEM: Distribution of goods and services for those affected by the Marshall Fire begin Wednesday, January 12 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at the Flatirons Crossing Mall. Those seeking assistance can use the west entrance into the mall, closer to Macy's.
- CU Science Discovery Toy Giveaway: The giveaway of toys, books, and games for children is extended through Sunday, January 16. Families are invited to visit Boulder Public Library's Main Library between the hours of 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. today through Thursday, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
New ways to help affected communities
- Boulder OEM: The Boulder Office of Emergency Management is accepting physical donations starting January 11 at the Flatirons Crossing Mall, at the former Nordstrom's location between Macy's and Dick's Sporting Goods. A current list of needs and items not being accepted can be found at BOEM's website.
- Guardian Storage + YMCA donations: Guardian Storage, in partnership with the YMCA of Northern Colorado, are collecting donations of toiletries, clothing, pet food, diapers and more at all properties (except in Superior). Those who wish to donate can drop off any of the requested items during regular business hours.
Ongoing resources for those seeking aid
Getting help
Residents in need of immediate assistance can visit the Disaster Assistance Center located at the Boulder County Southeast Hub, 1755 South Public Road, Lafayette, call the Boulder Office of Emergency Management at 303-413-7730 or contact a local chapter of the American Red Cross.
Specific resources available at the Disaster Assistance Center include:
- Consultation on property loss and filing insurance claims
- Emergency shelter referrals
- Food assistance
- Mental health services
- Replacement vital records, including Colorado driver licenses and state IDs
- Replacement vehicle titles and registration
- Referrals for personal finance planning
The governor's office has additional information for impacted residents on their website, including instructions for applying for FEMA or Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance, and tips for filing insurance claims.
Many other organizations and businesses are offering services to those affected:
- Blackbelly Market fire relief: The Blackberry Market is providing free food, clothing, and supplies to those affected by the fires Friday, January 7 - Friday, January 14 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the weekend. They are also seeking volunteers.
Housing
If you have housing available for displaced residents, the Boulder Office of Emergency Management recommends signing up as a host through the Airbnb Open Homes program.
The Marshall Fire Housing Needs and Availability Facebook group was created by local realtors to "connect people looking for housing and those with housing to offer."
Items and services
Boulder OEM is directing people to fill out this form to offer donations of goods and services.
Mental health
Community Foundation Boulder County recommends reaching out to the following organizations for mental health support:
- JFS Boulder County Crisis Counseling
- Colorado Crisis Services: Call 1-844-493-8255 or text "TALK" to 38255
- Mental Health Partners: Call 303-443-8500
Mutual aid
- Boulder County Fires - Mutual Aid Group on Facebook
Pets and animals
- Animal Rescue Requests: Boulder OEM / Boulder County Fire Rescue
- Boulder Humane Society: Report lost or found pets / List of found pets
- Colorado Pet Pantry: Request emergency pet food / Make a donation
- Lost and found pets Facebook group
- Horse relocation Facebook group
Ways you can help those affected
Cash donations
- Community Foundation Boulder County Wildfire Fund
- Sister Carmen Community Center
- Boulder Valley School District Critical Needs Fund
- American Red Cross of Colorado
- Conscious Alliance
Housing
If you have housing available for displaced residents, the Boulder Office of Emergency Management recommends signing up as a host through the Airbnb Open Homes program.
Volunteering
Individuals interested in volunteering should sign up through the Colorado Responds website. Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle has asked people wishing to help not to self-deploy to the affected areas.
Specific volunteer opportunities available:
- Blackbelly Market fire relief: The Blackberry Market is seeking volunteers to assist with distributing clothes, food, and other supplies to fire victims.
- Crossing guard volunteers needed: Boulder Valley School District is in need of volunteers to serve as crossing guards in various locations around the district, including in areas impacted by the Marshall Fire. Volunteers can sign up to assist here.
- Front Range Soup Brigade: The Front Range Soup Brigade is seeking volunteers and assistance on various fronts, including community outreach and driving support and items such as cracker and soup containers.
We will update this list as more information becomes available. If you have information on resources available to those affected, or ways others can assist, please email them directly to ashley.jefcoat@kunc.org.
Additional credit: The Boulder Reporting Lab and their BRL Today newsletter.
