COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Families forced to evacuate during wildfires like the Aspen Acres wildfire can face high upfront costs, often before help from nonprofits and volunteers is in place.

Nonprofit leaders told 11 News a family of two may need about $1,000 to $2,000 upfront to leave quickly and stay safe.

United Way said the Red Cross typically sets up donation centers within the first 24 to 48 hours after an evacuation. After that, the response can transition into a recovery assistance center focused on longer-term needs.

One nonprofit leader explained that while government agencies focus on managing access and firefighting operations, nonprofits help address the immediate human impact.

“The government is going to be dealing with access to managing the fire itself and then the non-profits come in and rally and they deal with the human aspect of it,” Ange-Elie Jean, the Chief Impact Officer with Pikes Peak United Way, said.

One of the biggest challenges evacuees face right away is finding a place to stay, whether that’s with family, in a hotel, or through emergency partnerships.

United Way said an option families may be able to use is the 211 Airbnb partnership, which can help connect evacuees with available lodging during wildfire disasters.

“We entered a partnership with Airbnb which allows us to use their inventory for wildfire disasters,” said Jean.

Nonprofit leaders say the best way to support families displaced by the Aspen Acres wildfire is by donating to the United Way of Southern Colorado. You can also donate to your local Red Cross.