Absolutely Colorado: Dozens of companies offer help to ‘Aspen Acres’ fire victims after local resident puts out the call
PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Residents and business owners in the Beulah Valley are organizing grassroots recovery efforts to assist homeowners struggling with persistent flooding following the "Aspen Acres" fire.
The flooding recently caused the death of resident Hank Humphreys and created severe structural hazards on properties where many residents lack comprehensive insurance coverage for heavy construction work.
Community organizer Jen Way launched an initiative on social media after being unable to reach state or federal government representatives for aid. She started the campaign after Humphreys' death, seeking assistance for the Beulah Valley community.
More than a dozen businesses responded to her call, offering volunteers, equipment and services for debris clearing, excavation and demolition. Way noted that residents had already been assisting one another with personal machinery before the organized effort began.
“I didn't start this. The community has been coming together the whole time. Neighbors have been driving to each other's houses with whatever tractors they have and have been digging each other out this whole time,” Way said.
Among those who responded to the call was Kris Sharpe, owner of a landscaping company in Pueblo West. Sharpe and his team volunteered to assist residents by installing rock barriers for erosion control, aiming to slow runoff across land where vegetation was destroyed by the wildfire.
“We have so many family memories there. We love Beulah. I feel so bad for all the community members who live there. And we just wanted to help out in any way that we can,” Sharpe said.
Way said that visiting the flood-damaged area marked her first time seeing the destruction in person.
“I bawled my eyes out when I showed up here today, because I haven't had the courage to come in and actually drive around and take a look yet. And so, being able to come down here today and see that, wow. Just. Wow,” Way said.
While volunteer assistance has provided immediate support, community members emphasize that long-term recovery challenges remain for the valley. Way explained that residents continue to navigate daily hardships following the disaster.
“We're living day to day down here. And for the for the long term, there needs to be better mitigation,” Way said.
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