As wildfires continue to rage near Meeker, Northwest Colorado is showing what it means to be a community in a time of crisis.

An outpouring of support for evacuees from Meeker and Rio Blanco County is rising across Craig and Moffat County, where local residents and organizations are stepping up with resources, shelter and compassion.

Shelters and emergency centers

The American Red Cross is currently operating two primary shelters for individuals and families displaced by the Elk and Lee Fires, according to a statement from Rio Blanco County:

• Moffat County High School: 900 Finley Lane, Craig
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 125 Eagle Crest Drive, Rangely

Red Cross volunteers are providing safe shelter, food, water and comfort to all in need. The shelters are open to everyone, regardless of background or citizenship, and all assistance is free.

Moffat County High School is the main staging site for displaced families in the county. Superintendent Mathew Neal explained that staff have spent considerable time preparing cots, signage and food for incoming evacuees. 

The high school offers showers and private space, while staff prepare to juggle both classes and shelter needs as schools open on Monday for the academic year, said Neal.

According to John Seward, public information officer for the American Red Cross in Colorado and Wyoming, there are around five Meeker evacuees at the shelter as of Thursday afternoon. 

Additional short-term housing options include:

• Craig CNCC Campus: Space for trailers, tents, and RVs, with bathroom access.
• Rangely CNCC Campus: Space for trailers, tents and RVs, as well as bathrooms and food services (approx. $3 per meal).
• Rangely Campgrounds: Multiple sites, including Elk Park (311 S. Stanolind Ave), Rangely Campground (940 E. Rangely Ave) and Cedar Ridges Golf Course (502 County Road) for electric hookups. The Rangely Recreation Center (611 S. Stanolind Ave) offers bathrooms and showers.
• Sassquatch Party Rentals, LLC: 538 Pershing Street, Craig. Open parking lot for camping or trailers, with restrooms, meals and family activities available indoors. Contact 970-896-9399 for more information.
• Valley Community Center in Baggs: Camper parking (no hookups) with access to showers, bathrooms and kitchen. The local CARES organization offers supplies and other help to those already in Baggs or arriving soon. For questions, contact Natalie Danford at 307-462-9360.
• Steamboat Springs resident Cindy Patten has opened her house in Maybell for evacuees. The home sleeps nine, and small pets are welcome. There is also an RV parking spot with electricity. To reach Cindy, contact maybellmustangmanor@gmail.com.
• Kyann Kainz-Parker and her husband are offering room for two to three families with space for campers and tents near Craig (no electricity provided), as well as pen space for livestock and pets. To reach Kyann, contact 970-756-0288.

Housing and care for animals

Evacuating families often face the added stress of caring for beloved animals in uncertain circumstances. Several area residents have mobilized to make sure pets and livestock aren’t left behind.

• Kyann Kainz-Parker: Multiple pens for various species, such as horses, cows, goats, pigs, poultry, etc. Space for families, campers, and tent setups; pets (including exotics) accepted with some restrictions.
• Gary Cole: With a 30-acre property seven miles northwest of Craig, Gary is offering space for large animals. Owners need to bring their own feed; stock trailers are available to borrow. No RV/camper space. To reach Gary, call 970-620-2724.
• Cheyan Hill and the “Northwest Colorado Parrots” group: Cages, food, toys and emergency housing for evacuated parrots, plus connections for other pets and even reptiles in partnership with The Jungle. Join the Facebook group or call/text 970-756-3737 for help.

Emotional support

Amid the whirlwind of urgent logistics, the emotional impact of losing home or routine can go overlooked but is no less important. Craig-based Crisis Chaplain Carla Anderson brings a unique perspective, herself having endured a fire 20 years ago — a trauma she carries into her work now. 

“I went through post traumatic stress disorder after that, so I understand just how people can feel overwhelmed,” Anderson said. 

She welcomes affected folks to reach out to her at at ciagsgrace@gmail.com, urging people to process their experiences now. “We just need to try and keep them from having to, months, years down the road go, ‘maybe I should have talked to somebody.'”

Childcare for affected families

For families juggling work, logistics and uncertainty, the Yampa Valley Kids Childcare Center is providing temporary emergency childcare. Space is limited, but the center is doing its best to support newly displaced families. Contact YampaValleyKids@gmail.com to discuss availability and needs.

Donations

The Warehouse Food Hall in Craig is gathering nonperishable food, baby supplies, bedding and monetary donations, in addition to other supplies. 

“We started collecting donations last night, and we’ve already had Meeker evacuees contact us for help,” said employee Brenda Brazelton. 

A fundraiser will be held at The Warehouse on Saturday evening to bring the community together. Donations are welcomed from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Authorities urge those wanting to help to prioritize monetary donations. The Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with local officials, is asking residents to give through the United Way of Moffat County, which is best positioned to distribute funds for immediate needs, according to a statement released on Thursday.

“Please know that we stand with you during this time of disaster and hardship,” wrote the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office in the statement. “We are not just neighboring counties — we are part of a larger rural family that pulls together in times of need. You are not alone.”

To donate, visit UnitedWayMoffat.org.