United Way of Pueblo County, CHFA – Colorado Housing & Finance Authority, and El Pomar Foundation have joined in a community support effort to assist households who will be displaced for up to 90 days by the fire at the Fenix Apartments.
The partnership will aid 10 households consisting of 24 individuals with extended hotel stays until they are eligible to return home. Two additional households have made separate lodging arrangements. Pueblo has been facing a severe affordable housing shortage, this tragic event further exacerbates this issue.
The American Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado responded to the fire providing more than 2,400 meals, 1,500 snacks and more than 900 disaster medical contacts. In addition, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pueblo and several community groups have provided much needed caseworker support, donations of items, meals, and assistance with storing of household goods and cleaning.
Administration of long-term lodging has been transitioned to United Way of Pueblo County who is serving as the fiscal agent and a contributor to this phase of recovery needs. “It takes a community working together to truly make an impact and assist these families on the long-term road to recovery,” stated United Way of Pueblo County President/CEO Shanna M. Farmer. “We are thankful to partner with the Red Cross and to be able to call on these community agencies so we can support these families in this great time of need.”
CHFA has donated $25,000 to assist in providing ongoing emergency housing for the displaced families. “When CHFA learned of the many challenges these families faced with the loss of their homes, we really wanted to help. CHFA is grateful to the organizations that came together to assist the residents of Fenix Apartments. Our hope is that these efforts will provide immediate relief and a path back towards housing stability,” said Cris White, CHFA executive director and CEO.
El Pomar Foundation joined the call to action with a gift of $10,000. “Our hearts go out to the victims of the Fenix Apartment Fire. In alignment with our mission to enhance, encourage and promote the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado, El Pomar Foundation is pleased to help aid in the relief efforts by partnering with United Way of Pueblo County to assist these families,” stated El Pomar Foundation President/CEO, Kyle Hybl.
The United Way of Pueblo County Board of Trustees approved an additional up to $5,000 in support to bring the total to early estimates of $40,000. United Way will work with Catholic Charities and additional agencies to address the specific, ongoing needs of affected families. The fire occurred at the Fenix Apartments at 2315 Sprague Ave on Tuesday, August 4 damaging 40 units and displacing approximately 150 residents. Considerable work has been done to begin to rehouse several tenants. Twelve of the 40 units suffered severe damage requiring displacement estimated from 30 to 90 days.
No donations are being requested at this time. If you have questions, or would like to help, please contact United Way of Pueblo County at 719-225-8580 or Catholic Charities at 719-544-4233.