Governor Polis Tours Disaster Assistance Center, Thanks Volunteers, Highlights Resources for Coloradans Impacted by Wildfires

PUEBLO, Colo. - Today, Governor Polis met with Coloradans impacted by the Aspen Acres Fire and the volunteers stepping up to help at the Pueblo Disaster Assistance Center. Governor Polis toured the DAC on his recent trip to Pueblo on July 2, the day after its opening.

"I'm grateful to the volunteers and staff at our Disaster Assistance Center who are showing up every day for Coloradans during this incredibly difficult time. Their compassion and hard work make a real difference for Coloradans who have lost so much. If you've been impacted by the wildfires, please don't wait to get help. There are so many resources available to support you and your family as we rebuild our community together," said Governor Polis.

On July 1, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs partnered with Pueblo County, Custer County and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to set up the DAC in Pueblo. The center was stood up in response to the Aspen Acres Fire and provides families with centralized assistance to help them recover in the aftermath of the natural disaster. Partner organizations can help replace lost documents, connect to benefits and resources, provide housing referrals, and help affected families find support. The DAC is located at the Pueblo Academy of Arts at 29 Lehigh Ave, Pueblo, CO 81005.

The DAC encompasses numerous public, private and nonprofit organizations providing resources, including the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Insurance, Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Custer County, Pueblo County (Department of Public Health and Environment, Department of Human Services, Sheriff's Office - A Community Organization for Victim Assistance (ACOVA), the Assessor's Office, Veteran Services and the County Clerk & Recorder), 211 Colorado, Senior Resource Development Agency (SRDA), United Policyholders, American Red Cross, Health Solutions, Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado, the Salvation Army, HOPE Animal Crisis Response, USDA Farm Service Agency, Care and Share Food Bank, United Way of Southern Colorado, Mennonite Disaster Services, Accudetox, Crisis Clean Up, the Resource Exchange, Sol Vista Health, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, Pueblo Community Health Center, Minnequa Works Credit Union, Colorado Department of Revenue - Department of Motor Vehicles, Pueblo City-County Library District, Colorado Department of Natural Resources - Colorado Water Conservation Board, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, YMCA Children's Services, Colorado Pet Pantry, World Central Kitchen, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, Gideons, and more.

Currently, the DAC is seeking cleaning supplies and pet food donations. These items can be dropped off at the main entrance.

Anyone in the vicinity of a wildfire should follow orders from local authorities first and foremost. The latest information and links to local authorities can be found at DHSEM.Colorado.gov. To be prepared to evacuate if necessary, folks should prepare a go kit with recommended items. All Coloradans are encouraged to sign up for county emergency alerts.

Resources are available for Coloradans impacted by wildfires, including:

• Colorado Disaster Recovery Navigation Tool: After a disaster, it can be difficult to know what steps to take. The Disaster Recovery Navigation Tool provides resources for survivors and guidance on what to do in the days and months beyond a fire.
• United Way of Southern Colorado: United Way provides emergency resources and information for Coloradans impacted by the fires. The Wildfire Relief Fund is accepting financial donations to support wildfire response and recovery.
• AirBnB Free Emergency Housing: AirBnB is working with Mile High United Way to provide free, emergency housing for people who have been displaced by the Aspen Acres, Ferris, Gold Mountain, Willow, Sharpe, Poitrey Canyon, Snyder, Green Ridge and Big Sheep Fires.
• American Red Cross Open Shelters and Disaster Relief Services: The American Red Cross is offering assistance to Coloradans that have been forced to evacuate their homes and those whose access to essential services has been disrupted.

###