There’s no question that Colorado has been hit hard this past year or so… wildfires ravaging the landscape and now epic flooding – its tragic! Colorado and the Colorado Front Range in Particular is in many ways the heartland of Geospatial technology in America, the corridor between Boulder and Fort Collins considered by many as “GIS Alley”. Wishes are going out to all in the area to stay dry and safe!
HelpColoradoNow.org is a partnership between the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) and Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (COVOAD). This initiative brings together government agencies and non-profit organizations so they may better assist communities affected by disasters.
A FINE PLACE TO START IS http://www.helpcoloradonow.com/
There’s a number of ways that people and companies can offer a small bit of support and help. The following comes from TheDenverChannel…
With deadly flooding inundating communities across Colorado, many are asking — “How can I help?”
Many cities, counties and towns are still in initial rescue mode and have not specifically asked for help.
“We appreciate all offers for help from volunteers, but at this point we would like to direct everyone to donate cash to the Red Cross and Salvation Army,” officials with the Boulder Office of Emergency Management said. “Please do not bring supplies to fire stations, police, etc. Volunteers should not self-deploy because of safety issues. Stay tuned for ways to help.”
If you don’t want to wait, here are a few ways you can help:
– The Red Cross opened shelters in Commerce City, Erie, Loveland, Longmont, Boulder and other towns. They need trained volunteers to help. Learn more: http://www.redcross.org/co/denver/volunteer. The Red Cross also asks for donations. Call 1-800-REDCROSS to donate.
– The Salvation Army is bringing in help from other areas to assist with its shelters and its program for feeding first responders. You can donate money at www.imsalvationarmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) and designate “Colorado Floods.”
– Donating household goods. While in-kind donations are not currently being stored for disaster victims, those items can help the Salvation Army is its ongoing mission. To donate, visit www.SATruck.com or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK.
– Foothills United Way has established the ‘Foothills Flood Relief Fund’ to be able to respond to the effects of these storms. Organizers expect to use this fund for immediate relief as well as longer-term recovery in Boulder and Broomfield Counties. The Fund is accessible online at www.unitedwayfoothills.org/floodrelief
– Boulder Valley Humane Society is accepting animals needing shelter from evacuated areas of Boulder County. They need a variety of items including heavy blankets, creamy peanut butter (for dog treats), bottles, KONG Classic rubber toys, Large, heavy-duty storage bins and more. See the full list: http://www.boulderhumane.org/donate/wish-list They also need volunteers: http://www.boulderhum