In partnership with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (COVOAD), Archuleta County has announced the opening of the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) to provide coordinated support and recovery resources for community members impacted by recent events.
The DAC officially opened yesterday, Thursday, November 5, at the Wyndham Activity Center on Village Drive.
The hours of operation will be Sunday through Saturday, 11am to 6pm.
By bringing together local, state and national nonprofit partners under one roof at the Wyndham Activity Center, we aim to make essential services accessible and efficient for every household affected. Resources coming from outside the local area will be delayed until roads are accessible for the nonprofit groups to mobilize.
The DAC serves as a centralized hub connecting residents directly with recovery organizations, essential items and critical support services.
Visitors to the center will find:
• Cleanup and repair assistance: Guidance and information from partner organizations specializing in disaster recovery, site cleanup and structural repair.
• Household and personal property support: Resources and assistance to help replace lost household goods and essentials.
• Food and temporary housing: Direct guidance and intake support for individuals needing temporary shelter, emergency housing options and ongoing food assistance.
• Crisis counseling: On-site emotional and mental health support services to assist individuals and families navigating recovery.
Helplines and disaster information
Residents needing information, navigational assistance or nonemergency support outside of DAC hours can connect with the following dedicated helplines:
• Archuleta County Incident Call Center: Call (970) 508-9928 for general disaster inquiries, local updates and local community assistance.
• 211 Colorado Assistance: Call 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or visit 211colorado.org to connect with resource navigators for emergency housing vouchers, food assistance, shelter and state/regional social services.
Financial assistance and donations of food, water and cleaning supplies will help local families navigate the challenges of damaged homes, disrupted utilities and the loss of everyday necessities. With significant quantities of donated supplies already received, local flood recovery coordinators are encouraging those wishing to help to consider what is most needed and where donations should be delivered.
Where to deliver flood recovery supplies
Donations of needed supplies for flood recovery efforts may be delivered to the Archuleta County Extension Office at 344 U.S. 84. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Thanks to generous contributions, the community has already received substantial quantities of several essential items, including: bottled water, disinfecting wipes, brooms, mops and mop buckets, and chlorine bleach. Additional donations of these items are not needed at this time unless specifically requested. Those planning to donate large quantities of supplies are encouraged to coordinate in advance with Terri House, donations coordinator for the Town of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County flood recovery efforts, at recovery@pagosasprings.co.gov to ensure there is adequate space and that the items are needed.
Food donations
Individuals and organizations wishing to donate food are encouraged to direct their contributions to local food pantries. Healthy Archuleta is helping connect residents with a network of community food pantries serving individuals and families throughout Archuleta County.
The following organizations are part of the local food pantry network:
• Community United Methodist Church: 434 Lewis St., (970) 264-5508.
• Pope John Paul II Catholic Church: 353 S. Pagosa Blvd., (970) 731-5744.
• St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church: 225 South Pagosa Blvd., (970) 731-5801.
• Our Community Eats: 197 Navajo Trail Drive, (970) 902-0130.
• TARA’s Helping Hands: Arboles, (970) 987-5033.
Because flooding may affect operating hours, accessibility and available storage, donors should contact the organizations before delivering food. For information about the local food pantry network, contact Healthy Archuleta at (401) 206-4579 or visit foodcoalition4archuleta.org.
Donations of used clothing and household items should be directed to the Humane Society Thrift Store or Methodist Thrift Shop. These organizations are better equipped to receive and handle these types of donations. Donors should check with the stores before dropping off items.
Gift cards for food and gas welcome
Gift cards for groceries and gasoline are another practical way to help individuals and families affected by flooding.
Many residents are facing unexpected expenses as they work to recover, and gift cards provide flexibility to purchase food and fuel based on their immediate needs.
Gift cards may be dropped off at Town Hall, 551 Hot Springs Blvd., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, or mailed to:
Town of Pagosa Springs
Attn: Terri House, Flood Recovery Donations
P.O. Box 1859
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
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