Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is responding in Colorado, where heavy rain over the past few days has caused severe flooding. Areas affected include Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Aurora, Estes Park and Boulder. Some of these areas have also been affected by wildfires over the past few years. At least three people have died from the floods.
A disaster declaration has been made and mandatory evacuations have been ordered in several communities. There have also been evacuations from the University of Colorado at Boulder campus.
PDA has been in contact with the Presbytery of Plains and Peaks and with Denver Presbytery and has offered One Great Hour of Sharing funds and members of the National Response Team to help in the relief efforts once needs have been identified.
At this time, the presbyteries are waiting for the flood waters to begin receding and communities to become reconnected so that assessments of need can be determined. Presbytery staff members have sent messages to their churches letting them know that PDA support is available if needed. PDA will stay in touch with the presbyteries and stands ready to provide immediate assistance as requested.
How you can help.
Please stand in the GAP for the people of Colorado.
Give. Financial gifts are always needed in disaster situations. Share your financial blessings by designating gifts to DR000015 and specify Colorado. Individuals may give through their local Presbyterian congregation, online or by mailing a check to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), P.O. Box 643700 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700. You can also text PDA to 20222 to donate $10.
Act. Gift of the Heart Cleanup Buckets are often needed following flooding situations, and hygiene kits are often used when people are in shelters. Read instructions for making these kits — and help ensure that the buckets and kits will available when needed.
Pray. Please pray that through the response of the faith community, the people and communities affected by flooding in Colorado and those offering assistance will be reminded of the faithful hope that is found in Christ.
