First allocation of money for those affected by Waldo Canyon Wildfire
The first allocation of money has been doled out to ten non-profits to help Waldo Canyon fire survivors in El Paso and Teller Counties. It’s for those whose lives were adversely affected by this history making event. Pikes Peak United Way’s Preston Briggs gave me several scenarios to put it in perspective. He said it includes if someone had to take time off work or needs money to make rent this month. That’s just a slice of the many ways the Waldo Canyon fire affected their lives.
Nearly 380 thousand dollars was distributed in this first allocation of the 900 thousand that has been collected by the United Way. Briggs told me 15 agencies applied to be part of this first distribution. Only ten of those non-profits made it through the vetting process. Briggs made it crystal clear about how the money would be tracked to make sure it goes to the right people. He said, “We’ll review every cent where the money went and we’ll submit a report so the community can see exactly where those dollars went. ” Every agency that receives funding will have to submit that final report to the United Way so Briggs and others with the United Way can review and track spending and then decide if the non-profit agency asking for money will get allocated another share.
Organizations receiving funding are Westside Cares ($112,000), 719-389-0759. Westside Cares provides income assistance, rental assistance and miscellaneous as well.
Mercy’s Gate ($65,095), 719-277-7470. It provides housing assistance and has case managers available and essential needs help and transportation.
Housing Authority of Colorado Springs ($45,000), 719-387-6700. It can only provide federal funding for those who are 50 percent or below medium income. This new funding will allow them to help everyone, regardless of income.
Discover Goodwill ($43,569), 719-635-4483. It will continue to provide clothing and furniture items of victims.
The Redistribution Center ($35,000), 303-263-9919. It will use the money to dole out personal items and furniture.
Norris Penrose Event Center ($32,369.67). This money will reimburse the Event Center for the sheltering of large animals at the facility.
Ecumenical Social Ministries ($20,480), 719-636-1916. It will help with rental assistance.
AspenPointe ($18,752), 719-572-6100. It helps with mental health services, specifically co-pays and covers the need for someone to continue mental health counseling.
Cheyenne Village ($4,372.54), 719-592-0200. It helps with services for people with disabilities.
Diakonia ($2,648.67) is being reimbursed for free day care given to families over 6 weeks during and immediately after the fire.
