Tornado Inspires Community Support.

Five months later, the image of the tornado coming over the ridge is still fresh in my mind.  When the doors and windows blew in, the reality of what was happening left us wondering what would be left as the storm passed. What we found when we emerged from our building was both the devastation we could see. and what we could only imagine had happened throughout the area.  What we also found was a Weld County community that was ready to roll up its sleeves and come to the aid of their neighbors. 
While it was awe inspiring to have seen this community come together to help people immediately following an emergency, the reality is that for many in our community the recovery period is not over.  It is only now that many people are finding that their insurance funds may have fallen short, or what was saved for a rainy day is no longer available to meet normal unexpected expenses.  In addition, many people are still struggling with the psychological impact of the storm. As we were there for our neighbors immediately following the storm, we also need to be there for those that continue to need assistance today.    

Tornado Victims Still Need Assistance.

To assist those who are still dealing with the impact of the storm, a coalition of several organizations and volunteers has formed the Northern Colorado Tornado Long Term Recovery Team (LTRT). The mission of the team is to strengthen area-wide disaster coordination by sharing information, assisting individuals and families that have specific unmet needs, and providing a coordinated effort to bring available resources together to aid in the recovery of northern Colorado residents affected by the May 22, 2008 storms.  The LTRT has resources available to help resolve a variety of tornado-related issues Including uninsured or under-insured auto/home claims, unpaid losses, contractor disputes, loss of income, rebuilding issues, medical bills, anxiety/stress, legal, and/or financial assistance.  For assistance simply call United Way at 2-1-1 (within Weld County), or 800-559-5590 (outside Weld County). To call from a land line dial 970-353-8808. When connected, state that you have a tornado related problem and you will be directed to someone that will review your individual situation. 
Funding for the long-term recovery effort has come from several sources. Community fundraisers have been sponsored by Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant’s, Water Valley Pelican Fest and the Weld County Sheriff’s Tournament at Pelican Lakes.  The United Way of Weld County, the Red Cross and the Community Foundation have committed long-term funds, in addition to what they provided during the emergency response. And the United Way of Weld County 2-1-1 staff and volunteers provided support, which has been so beneficial from the moment the tornadoes touched down to now providing a permanent link to the LTRT.  The 2-1-1 link provided through United Way also puts those in need of assistance in touch with existing agencies that make assisting people in need their daily mission. 
We are certainly blessed in this community to have so many caring people.  Now, when I look at that ridge through our window, I notice that the landscape has been forever changed.  But when I go outside, I find the same caring community that makes Weld County a very special place to live…a community that is quick to respond when their neighbor is in need and continues to respond long after the storm has passed.    

Bob Hinderaker is President of Signature Bank in Windsor, serves as a board member of United Way of Weld County and is Chairman of the Long Term Recovery Committee