Last week was filled with lots of opportunities to serve our neighbors in need. Not only were we focused on our clients who come to our building for services, we also stepped up to assist the Red Cross Emergency shelter.
While picking up our food order at the Food Bank, we also loaded up food items and beverages for the evacuees who are being cared for through the Red Cross.
It’s been something we are accustomed to doing after emergencies and disasters in our community. We want to be ready and willing to do whatever we can at a moment’s notice, when something like wildfires break out and begin to disrupt life as we know it.
It’s a wonderful thing to live in a small community with people who are eager to give of their time, talents and treasure to meet the needs of neighbors. We are blessed to have many of our Crossroads volunteers involved at the emergency shelter.
In fact, Thom and Patty Shafer, who have served countless hours at Crossroads, are the ones coordinating the compassionate work with the Red Cross.
Over the past several days we have experienced an increase of neighbors stopping by who have been evacuated, and our staff are working speedily to meet their immediate needs.
Some of them are stopping by for food, fuel vouchers, encouragement and direction. We’re prepared to help in whatever we can, so if you know someone struggling due to the wildfire evacuations or another crisis, please send them our way.
Each day I’ve been thinking about my short checklist of what I’d need in case of an evacuation, so I’m monitoring the fuel gauge on my vehicle, staging valuables in totes that are easy to carry, and mapping out an exit strategy of where to go and what to do if the day comes to bug out. I hope and pray this doesn’t happen, but nonetheless I want to be prepared. If anyone needs some assistance, let us know—we want to help.
On Thursday, I deployed to a structure fire off of Fall River Road that had the potential of going really bad, but it didn’t. Our Estes Valley firefighters along with several support agencies came together and extinguished the fire. It’s amazing the work they do in such a swift and coordinated effort.
I was on scene as the chaplain to support firefighters as well as those impacted by the devastating fire. I was with some of the residents that lost everything—cash, paperwork, photos, clothing…everything. We made sure they had a safe place for the night with a support group to care for them.
I encouraged each of them to come by Crossroads so we can help them get back on their feet. This is why we exist! We mobilize resources to meet the needs through volunteers who want to serve.
If you’d like to join us as a financial partner as we serve those impacted by this house fire, and those displaced by the wildfires, then please send a check in today or make a secure online donation.
With everything going on right now, I want to ask each of you to take a moment to be silent and offer up a prayer for our neighbors in Glen Haven, Storm Mountain, and all others impacted by the wildfires.
Many of them have been evacuated and are now anxiously waiting for the outcome of what will happen to their houses, possessions, and community that they’ve called home for many years.
If anyone comes to mind, I would encourage you to call them and let them know you’re thinking of them. Just knowing someone cares means a lot during these times.
Let’s be on standby to help in whatever way we can. It’s a great way to show Love for our Neighbor!