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Three Meaningful Ways to Support Victims of Colorado ’ s Marshall Fire
Hundreds of families were displaced by the Marshall Fire in Boulder County . Here are a few ways you can aid their recovery .
by Christopher Dean
On Thursday , Dec . 30 , the Marshall Fire ripped through Colorado ’ s Front Range . Fueled by 100 mile per hour winds and drought conditions , the blaze spread quickly through Superior and Louisville , two densely populated towns in Boulder County . By Friday morning , it was the most devastating wildfire in state history , having destroyed more than nine hundred homes and businesses .
More than 30,000 residents of Boulder County were evacuated , and thousands were left permanently displaced , their homes burned beyond repair . In the short term , some victims of the Marshall Fire may stay with friends and family or find hotels . Fairly quickly , though , these residents will need quality medium-term housing , and in a historically tight Denver market , vacant units are difficult to find .
Many are searching for ways to help their fellow Coloradans , whether that ’ s providing temporary housing , offering financial relief or supporting the emergency service work of first responders . Thanks to the public-private partnership of several government agencies , housing associations and nonprofits , there are dozens of opportunities to assist the relief effort . Here are three ways the Apartment Association recommends helping victims of the Marshall Fire .
Replacement Housing
In 2022 , Colorado ’ s inventory of available rental units remains well below statewide demand . During Q3 2021 , the vacancy rate in metro Denver was just 3.8 %, a near-record low . Many of these vacant units are in the process of being ‘ turned ,’ or prepared for an incoming resident . Of all the vacant units in metro Denver , very few are available for rent and immediate move-in . In the housing market , fewer than 1,600 single-family homes and 600 condos are currently listed for sale in the whole of metro Denver . Whether a resident is looking to rent or buy , options are severely limited .
As displaced residents search desperately for replacement housing , many have lamented the difficulties they ’ re confronting amid Colorado ’ s historically constricted rental housing market . In a joint , public-private effort , several government agencies and rental housing associations have taken steps to support victims of the fire in their effort to find a temporary home .
The Colorado Apartment Association ( CAA ) launched a housing directory , listing vacant units available for immediate move-in in metro Denver . The directory will help families displaced by the Marshall Fire easily navigate Colorado ’ s tight rental housing market , filtering between units based on location , size and price . In some cases , rental housing communities are offering discounted rents , free first months and waiving move-in fees . www . aamdhq . org JANUARY 2022 TRENDS | 13