Story and Photos by Kate Walters/American Red Cross
On Wednesday, April 4, 2019 at approximately 5:00 PM, the El Paso County Disaster Action Team of the Southeastern Colorado Red Cross Chapter responded to a multi-family fire at The Arbor Pointe Apartments (previously Bronzetree Apartments) on Hancock Expressway in Colorado Springs. Eighteen units were affected and 70 individuals were displaced.
Veronica Ramos and son, Pablo (1) outside the apartment building 
Miah and Tiffany Clanton (both 11) wait outside the apartment building 
A dog stands guard over its human at the shelter 
Arbor Pointe Apartment Fire
A shelter was opened immediately at the Southeast YMCA 21090 Jet Wing Dr. CO 80916. Dinner and refreshments were provided along with breakfast this morning.
There was a significant number of deaf individuals who were displaced. Colorado Springs OEM provided Access 2 Sign Language Inc. certified interpreters for the deaf. They were on site Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. Red Cross health services and mental health services were also on seen. Follow up casework will be provided to all impacted residents.
As an added service, the Red Cross activated a Red Cross volunteer from California. Sheridan Laine is a certified interpreter and provided support via Skype. In that case the client needed batteries for his cochlear implant.
The shelter closed at 3:00 P.M. after all residents were able to return or had been provided with accommodations.