Resources for Those Affected by the Marshall Fires

The hearts at Dietze and Davis go out to everyone who lost their homes in the Marshall Fires.  We stand with our Boulder County community on the road of recovery ahead.  Dietze and Davis is offering a list of resources for those impacted by this disaster across local, state, and federal levels.

BOULDER COUNTY

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance applications may now be completed online for Boulder County residents displaced or impacted by the Marshall Fire.  These funds will be disbursed through the Boulder County Community Foundation.  Assistance may be available to those who had a home destroyed or damaged (including renters), were forced to evacuate, lost the ability to work, lost work tools, had their home identified as uninhabitable, or had a small business destroyed or damaged. Applicants will be contacted either by phone or via text message within seven to 10 days after submitting the Marshall Fire Disaster Recovery Assistance application form to receive the funds, if determined eligible.

Housing-Related Financial Assistance

The Colorado Association of Realtors financial relief assistance is available for monthly mortgage expenses for primary residences that were damaged as well as home rental costs due to displacement from a primary residence. Other types of expenses including second mortgages, hotel expenses, clothing, appliances, equipment, and vehicle purchase, are not eligible for reimbursement under this program. This form of housing assistance is limited to a maximum of $3,000 per household. Applications must be submitted by April 8, 2022. Applications can be submitted online.

Personal Finance Program

The Boulder County Personal Finance Program (PFP) can help fire victims navigate financial uncertainty by offering both phone and virtual appointments to review individual circumstances, discuss options, and create a plan to move forward. These appointments are at no cost and are confidential. Appointments can be requested through the PFP website, by calling (720) 564-2279, or by emailing PersonalFinance@BoulderCounty.org.

Temporary & Emergency Child Care

The Early Childhood Council of Boulder County is offering support to parents who need child care on a temporary or emergency basis through the Colorado Shines Referral Program at Mile High United Way. Interested parents can complete the Child Care Referral form and will be provided with a referral list for licensed child care providers. Parents can contact the providers on this list and complete the enrollment process. For more information, contact the Early Childhood Council of Boulder County at  (720) 263-2145.

Well Water Testing and Support

Free well water testing and technical support are available for those whose homes were impacted by the fire from Purdue University. Professor Andrew Whelton expects to start analyzing the samples collected the week of January 31, 2022.  Residents can get more information by emailing Professor Whelton at awhelton@purdue.edu or calling (540) 230-6069.

Rental Housing Resource

The Boulder Area Rental Housing Association has published a list of available housing options for displaced residents for either short-term or long-term housing.

STATE OF COLORADO

Disaster Unemployment Assistance & Disaster UI Benefits

FEMA has approved Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those impacted by the fire, including for those who became unemployed, or who are self-employed and had work interrupted.  Individuals looking to qualify for DUA should file a standard unemployment insurance claim through the state website, which is called MyUI+.  Applications are processed by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.  If someone is determined to be ineligible for standard benefits, there is the option to submit an application for Disaster UI Benefits.  Individuals can call the Department at (303) 318-9000 and follow the voice prompts for customers impacted by the fire.  In-person assistance is available via appointment at the Unemployment Insurance office at 251 E. 12th Avenue in Denver. The deadline to apply for DUA benefits is February 3, 2022. Workforce Boulder County is also available to assist with Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Division of Insurance

The Colorado Division of Insurance is available to answer insurance questions.  The Division has hosted a series of Insurance Town Halls over the past few weeks to assist those impacted by the fire. The Division held its first town hall on January 4, 2022 and provided information regarding insurance and insurance companies.  The Division held a second town on January 19, 2022, which focused on partial losses for homes. The Colorado Division of Insurance continually develops policies, provide information and resources for both insurance consumers and the insurance industry in response to the fire.  To contact this agency, call (303) 894-7490, or email DORA_Insurance@state.co.us.

FEDERAL

FEMA Assistance for Residents & Businesses

Federal assistance is also available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program provides assistance to eligible individuals and households through both financial and direct services who have uninsured (or underinsured) necessary expenses and needs.  Residents can apply for assistance online at or by calling (800) 621-3362.

SBA Loans & Other Needs Assistance Grants

The United States Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster assistance loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses (including nonprofit organizations).  SBA also offers eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations working capital.  Interested persons can email the SBA at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call (800) 659-2955.

If an SBA application is not approved, individuals may also qualify for a FEMA Other Needs Assistance (ONA) grant.  These grants may be used for fire-related childcare, medical expenses, vehicle repair or replacement, and damaged household items.  More information regarding ONA grants can be obtained through the FEMA Helpline by calling (800) 621-3362.

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The Boulder County Bar Association also has a great list of resources for fire victims which can be found here: https://boulder-bar.org/Marshallfireresources