Emergency Aid Deliveries Arrive for Colorado Flood Survivors

“Thousands of people are now returning to water damaged homes, and many more are still unable to return home.”
Kate Dischino, AmeriCares Emergency Response ManagerAs families throughout Colorado struggle in the aftermath of record flooding, AmeriCares shipments of emergency kits, baby care products, relief supplies, water, medical equipment and household clean-up supplies are already helping survivors.“Thousands of people are now returning to water damaged homes, and many more are still unable to return home,” said Kate Dischino, AmeriCares emergency response manager.  “The flooding has created significant health needs. Our aid will help families put health and safety first as they begin the recovery process.” Dischino explained that for many survivors who lost everything in the floods, even the most basic supplies are needed. “One of our partners told the story of an elderly woman who arrived at their distribution site in Greeley,” said Dischino, who spent several days on the ground working with local organizations. “When the woman received the AmeriCares hygiene kit, she grabbed the bag, held it to her chest with a huge smile on her face, and said ‘A toothbrush! I haven’t had a toothbrush in so many days!’ She was grinning ear-to-ear and thanking us for the support. Her day was so much brighter now that she had these supplies.”Our immediate response includes:

• A truckload of bottled water arrived in Sterling, where the sanitary sewer and water system has been compromised by flooding. AmeriCares worked with partner Nestle Waters North America on the shipment, to provide safe drinking water to survivors and responders.  
• 1,100 emergency kits, baby care items, medical supplies, relief supplies, masks and household cleanup items are being shipped to partners to distribute to flood survivors in Larimer, Boulder, Weld and Jefferson Counties. 
• Filling disaster-related health gaps: We helped to support transportation costs for patients needing dialysis, while the local center in Sterling was temporarily closed due to flood damage.  We’re also working to help patients get access to the medicines and medical equipment they need to maintain their health. In addition, we are providing community health centers with medicine and medical supplies to meet increased demand for health services in the disaster area. 

Click here to see our interactive mapParts of at least 18 different cities and towns in 17 counties along the Front Range and Foothills of northern Colorado were flooded during the historic September, 2013 flood disaster. More than 18,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed by the raging torrents of water that surged down into the heavily populated foothills. Meanwhile, our emergency outreach efforts continue to support clinics and response partners helping survivors in need.Help AmeriCares bring aid to families in crisis as we respond to the Colorado flood disaster.Donate Now