Hello friends and colleagues,
As we face another brutal wildfire in Larimer County and surrounding counties, our hearts go out to everyone affected. We understand the profound physical, emotional, and financial toll these events can take, and we are deeply moved by the strength and solidarity shown by our community. We are a Larimer United, and we remain committed to supporting our community during these challenging times.
I started in this role almost exactly four years ago, just ten days after the Cameron Peak fire began. In addition to our priorities of youth and education (schools were closed) and financial stability (many families were unable to work), United Way of Larimer County (UWLC) quickly raised $1.3 million to support fire recovery. It was a HUGE effort to raise and distribute these funds and we found ourselves suddenly becoming content experts in bridge and culvert repairs.
Over the past three years, we have focused on identifying the community priorities where UWLC can make the most significant impact. We are dedicated to supporting the education and development of children and youth, as well as the economic success of their families. To refine our efforts, we are using data to pinpoint and prioritize the communities that are struggling the most.
To remain laser-focused on these key community priorities, UWLC has transitioned the leadership of disaster fundraising and response to our partners at The Community Foundation of Northern Colorado (NoCo Foundation). UWLC and the NoCo Foundation will both serve as members of the Larimer County Long Term Recovery Group, with UWLC remaining actively involved in response efforts through 211 and the NoCo Foundation leading donor engagement. The Larimer County Long Term Recovery Group includes key agencies and stakeholders, such as the Red Cross, FEMA, and state government.
If you would like to make a gift to support response and recovery efforts, the Northern Colorado Disaster Recovery Fund has been established to meet the immediate and long-term relief and recovery needs for the people and places affected following an environmental or human-caused disaster in Northern Colorado, including the Alexander Mountain Fire.
For the latest information on shelters, evacuation areas, volunteer opportunities, and donation needs, please visit 211 Colorado. UWLC leads Larimer County’s resource navigation network through 211 Colorado and is closely monitoring the situation, collaborating with local government and agencies to ensure all information is up-to-date and readily available. 211 can be accessed year-round by phone, text, and online, making it a vital resource during disasters and everyday life.
Call: Dial 2-1-1
Text: Text your zip code to 898-211
Online: Visit 211 Colorado – Wildfire Resources
For additional information, please refer to the Larimer County website for up-to-date details on the Alexander Mountain Fire.
We are grateful for the many partnerships in our beloved community, which allow us to collectively navigate these challenging times. Thank you for being part of Larimer United—we could not do any of this without you.
With gratitude and
Joy Sullivan
President & CEO
