It’s been heartbreaking watching the news and seeing the devastation the Black Forest Fire has caused already as it continues to burn. Our community, once again, is watching in horror, almost a year after the Waldo Canyon Fire, as so many homes are burning. We really stepped up last year with aid to those evacuated, the volunteers, and our brave fire fighters. When there’s need, our community comes together and helps our friends, neighbors, and even strangers.
Here’s how you can help….
RED CROSS SHELTERS – If you need a place to stay while under evacuation…
Palmer Lake High School
19255 Monument Road
Monument, Colorado
New Life Church
11035 Voyager Parkway
Colorado Springs, Colorado
PETS NEEDING A PLACE TO STAY…
Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa, Colorado is taking larger animals needing shelter. It’s located at 95 Ute Avenue. The phone number is 303-621-3152.
The Norris Penrose Event Center is full (the last I heard.)
For smaller animals –
Palmer Ridge High School
19255 Monument Road
Monument, Colorado
*Your smaller animals can stay here if you stay with your pet.
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
610 Abbot Lane
Colorado Springs, Colorado
You can also make donations online to help out with the costs of boarding evacuated pets by going online at http://www.hsppr.org/donateonline
If you need assistance evacuating animals from your home, you can call (719) 473-1741, extension 1
TO DONATE FOOD & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-
Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado is taking donations for fire evacuees in Colorado Springs and Canon City. You can drop off nonperishable food and financial donations to two different locations:
Care & Share in Colorado Springs
2605 Preamble Point
Colorado Springs, 80915
And
Care & Share in Pueblo
100 Greenhorn Drive
Pueblo, 81004
They currently do NOT need water and drinks. They DO need: tuna, soups, canned & boxed meals, cereals & other easy to eat snack items.
You can donate $10 by text by texting the word “donate” to 41010–the donation will appear on your next phone bill.
You can also make an online donation at www.careandshare.org Indicate your donation “fire response”.
*YMCA–Black Forest Evacuees, Frontline Responders and Residents With No Air Conditioning & Unable to Open Windows are welcome to go to any YMCA in the area at no charge. The YMCA at Meridian Road is closed.
If you know of other ways our community can help, please share.
We are thinking of those who have been evacuated and those fighting these fires.