On September 14th, the Community Foundation Serving Greeley and Weld County and the United Way of Weld County established a long-term recovery fund to help victims in Weld County. The caring power of our communities is evident by the quick success of the fund. The fund has reached $871,422.50 and both organizations are excited to announce that applications are now available.
The boards of both organizations worked together to develop an eight-member fund distribution committee to ensure the goals of the fund are followed. The committee is comprised of a board member of each organization, as well as community representatives with experience in fund allocation.
“We don’t want this process to be arduous for victims of the flood,” said Judy Knapp, President & CEO of the Community Foundation. “However we need to ensure funds are spent wisely and help the most people directly impacted by the flood,” she added.
Members of the community who have been affected by the floods should work with their insurance company for coverage and register with FEMA for assistance. Applications are now available online at www.UnitedWay-Weld.org/2013flood or www.cfsgwc.org as well as at United Way, The Community Foundation and the Carbon Valley Help Center.
Any flood victims residing in Weld County may apply. The minimum amount to be awarded is $100, and there is no set maximum. The distribution committee will go through a process to determine awards given. Applications will be accepted on a priority basis, with priority given to those received by October 31.
Applicants must be able to prove that they lived in an area affected by flooding, and that damage occurred to their property. Documents that could be used to prove this include an insurance adjuster’s report, a contractor bid for repairs, a utility bill showing address, a picture of the damage, receipts for repair expenses, and/or a copy of a vehicle registration.
Expedited processing will be given to applicants that have already applied to FEMA, Red Cross, and/or DHS, but it is not a requirement for receiving funds. Applications may be mailed or hand delivered to the UWWC office, the Community Foundation office or the Carbon Valley Help Center, at the addresses below.
“The goal of the fund is to focus on intermediate and long term recovery. We want to be able to help people get back on their feet,” said Jeannine Truswell, President & CEO of United Way of Weld County. “For many families adapting to a new normal will be difficult and long term recovery can take from one to two years.”
To make a contribution to the Weld County Flood Relief Fund, please call either organization during business hours or go online to make a donation at any time. If you or a loved one needs assistance in finding recovery help, call 2-1-1 or visit UnitedWay-Weld.org/2-1-1.
United Way of Weld County:
Call: 970-353-4300
Mail: PO Box 1944, Greeley, CO 80632 (physical address: 814 9th St., Greeley)
Online: www.UnitedWay-Weld.org
Community Foundation Serving Greeley and Weld County
Call: 970-304-9970
Mail: 2425 35th Ave., Suite 201, Greeley, CO 80634
Online: www.cfsgwc.org
Carbon Valley Help Center
Call: 303-833-6626
Mail: P.O. Box 508, Firestone, CO 80520 (physical address: 150 Buchanan, Firestone)
Online: www.facebook.com/CarbonValleyHelpCenter