Dana Spencer-Hall cleans a Red Cross cot at the shelter in Fountain
Colorado Springs, CO, Thursday. April 19, 2018, 11:00 a.m. – The American Red Cross has closed the shelter for the 117 fire in El Paso County. The shelter was at the Fountain Valley Baptist Church in Fountain, Colorado. Red Cross volunteers cleared cots and equipment from the shelter this morning and returned the facility to the Church at 10:00 a.m. Eight people stayed at the shelter Tuesday night but no one stayed at the shelter Wednesday night.
More than 20 Red Cross volunteers rallied to help people affected by the 117 fire in El Paso County providing shelter, food, water and other supplies. Volunteers also worked closely with El Paso County to make sure needs were being met.
How can you get help?
Anyone affected by the 117 fire can contact the Red Cross for disaster support. Red Cross caseworkers are available by appointment by calling 719-785-2768. Support can come in a variety of ways dependent on the needs of the affected family.
Raquel Aguirre seeks Red Cross assistance from Tina Harrison for her family after their home burned in the 117 Fire.
A pair of Pikes Peak region nonprofits will be providing assistance for people affected by the 117 Fire from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 21 at Hanover High School. Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado will have food products for those affected by the fire. And Discover Goodwill will also be providing vouchers and gift cards for Goodwill Stores. Hanover High School is located at 17050 S. Peyton Hwy., 80928.
Addition resources for fire relief include:
- Hanover Outreach Community Pantry
Will provide food and other needed items. Please contact Terry Siewiyumptewa (“Ms. Terry”) at 719-683-4611 or go to the Hanover Outreach Community Pantry Facebook page. If you would like to volunteer for the Hanover Outreach Community Pantry please let Ms. Terry know.
- God’s Pantry Ministries
They will have someone on-site 24 hours until Monday, April 23 at 5 p.m. providing food/clothing and more. Go to 102 N. Main St., Fountain, CO, 80817 or call 719-382-0643; Hours are 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
How can you help?
If you are interested in supporting the families who have been affected by the 117 fire you can donate useful items at local charities in El Paso County. Donated items should be new or lightly used and clean. Items such as; clothing, hygiene items, diapers, or shoes. Ask the charity to ear mark your donations to the 117 Fire victims. Please do NOT bring donated items to the Red Cross office.
How can you help financially?
The best way to help is to donate to the American Red Cross at redcross.org/donate (1-800-REDCROSS), or to a local charity that is providing support for the wildfire response. Please be careful when donating to unknown charities. Check with the Better Business Bureau before donating.
Fire Information
Visit the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office at https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com.
Returning Home After a Fire
People returning to their homes need to use caution when starting their recovery. Information about how to clean your property after a fire is at redcross.org/prepare. You can also find helpful information within our free Red Cross mobile app.