Disaster Assistance Center Offers One-Stop Support for Aspen Acres Fire Evacuees
One stop, dozens of partners and countless acts of compassion as Red Cross, community organizations bind together to help those most in need
By Kate Walters, American Red Cross
Just days after the Aspen Acres Fire forced families from their homes in Pueblo and Custer counties, evacuees gathered Wednesday at the disaster assistance center in Pueblo to access information, services and resources as they awaited news about their properties and planned their next steps.
The American Red Cross joined local, state and nonprofit partners at the Pueblo Academy of Arts to help people affected by the fire navigate available resources. Throughout the day, Red Cross volunteers greeted residents, answered questions, and distributed N95 masks, personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves and bottled water to help people safely return to their homes when conditions allowed and navigate the challenges of wildfire recovery.
The disaster assistance center brought together the American Red Cross alongside Pueblo County, the county's Department of Human Services, Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment, United Way of Southern Colorado, behavioral health providers, victim assistance, agriculture support agencies, private insurance representatives and other community partners, allowing evacuees to access a wide range of information, services and recovery resources in one convenient location.
For many visitors, the disaster assistance center was an opportunity to speak face-to-face with organizations working together to help them understand their options and prepare for whatever came next.
"Our goal is to make sure people know they don't have to navigate this alone," said Red Cross volunteer Toni Manjarrez. "Whether someone needs information, supplies or simply someone to answer their questions, we're here to help."
Volunteers spent the afternoon listening to evacuees' concerns, explaining available resources and helping people understand the next steps available to them. Whether someone needed protective supplies, information about available assistance or simply a compassionate conversation, Red Cross volunteers were there to provide support and connect them with the help they needed.
As the response continues, the American Red Cross remains committed to supporting families affected by the Aspen Acres Fire by providing shelter, comfort, recovery assistance and compassionate care throughout every stage of the disaster.
The Pueblo disaster assistance center remains open at the Pueblo Academy of Arts, 29 Lehigh Ave., Pueblo, CO 81005, through at least Wednesday, July 14. The latest information on hours of operation and other details for those evacuated from the Aspen Acres Fire can be found on the Red Cross of Colorado website.