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Immigrants Protected in Seeking Help from Marshall Fire

Emergency preparedness natural disaster supplies. Water, flashlight, lantern, batteries.
Getty Images/iStockphoto

Sen. John Hickenlooper's office recently released this statement in the wake of the Marshall Fire. AARP provides additional details below this statement for those seeking help, or wanting to make donations.

The Department of Homeland Security issued this statement to underline the importance of seeking safety and support regardless of immigration status. It makes two main points:

  • Sites that provide emergency response and relief are considered protected areas.
  • To the fullest extent possible, ICE and CBP do not conduct enforcement activities at protected areas such as along evacuation routes, sites used for sheltering or the distribution of emergency supplies, food or water, or registration, or at sites for disaster-related assistance or the reunification of families and loved ones.

    DHS is aware that some disaster survivors may fear applying for FEMA assistance due to their immigration status. FEMA does not collect information regarding the immigration status of an applicant or any member of an applicant’s household and does not proactively provide personal information to ICE or CBP for immigration enforcement.

    However, in rare circumstances, based on a specific request, ICE or CBP could request this information if a person poses a current threat to national security or public safety based upon an articulable risk of death, violence, or physical harm to any person.

    See FACT SHEET: Citizenship Status and Eligibility for Disaster Assistance FAQ

More information:
A donation center supporting those affected by the Marshall Fire opened this week at the former Nordstrom store at Flatiron Crossing, according to the Boulder Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

Donations may be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The site is not accepting used clothing, bedding or towels. The donation center is located at Flatirons Crossing Mall inside the former Nordstrom’s between Macy’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods, 21 W. Flatiron Crossing Drive in Broomfield.

Those wishing to donate should use the center/north entrance, and those needing supplies may pick up items at the west entrance, closer to Macy's.

Nearly $20 million has been raised in donations to help those displaced by the Marshall Fire in Boulder County that raged through the area late last month.

The fire, that destroyed 1,084 homes, hit Louisville, Superior and areas of unincorporated Boulder County, causing more than $500 million in damage. A number of commercial structures also were damaged or destroyed in the fire. One man is confirmed dead. Officials are still searching for a woman missing during the fire.

Financial donations remain the preferred method of supporting those who were impacted. AARP Colorado remains deeply concerned about the victims of this tragic disaster and encourage those who can give to do so now. However, it is of paramount importance to ensure your donations go where they should.

"Our heart-felt thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrific fire, as well as our Colorado community as a whole," said AARP State Director Bob Murphy. "Of course, we want to ensure everyone gets the information they need. And for those who prey on situations like the Marshall Fare, we want to make sure they are thwarted."

 Click here for more information about scams.

In addition, click here to find the list of current needs. OEM also has a list of items that are not being accepted. You can find that here. Those who are donating are asked to carefully look over both lists before going to the site. Bulk items arriving by truck must be scheduled in advance by calling 720-448-3211.

Anyone interested in volunteering should visit coloradoresponds.org.

Below are more resources:

Contact FEMA for Assistance with Marshall Fire Losses

What to Know About Car Insurance After a Natural Disaster

American Red Cross

Salvation Army

Community Foundation, Boulder County

Humane Society of Boulder County

About AARP Colorado
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