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Last of Marshall Fire donations in Colorado used to build affordable housing

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Last of Marshall Fire donations in Colorado used to build affordable housing


In the years since the Marshall Fire impacted thousands of people in Colorado, the Community Foundation of Boulder County has been spreading out the $43 million it received in donations to survivors. This past week, the foundation announced it has spent the last $6 million on future affordable housing projects. This announcement stirred up mixed reactions from many survivors who still need financial aid.

The Marshall Fire on Dec. 30, 2021.

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Jen Hart in Louisville was one of the many Marshall Fire survivors who worked to rebuild over the last few years. But she says the process was long and expensive, and years later, she says she’s still in debt.

“We took a second [mortgage] out on the house. We owe family members for helping us rebuild. And then we have our Community Foundation loans,” Hart said. 

So, when Hart first heard about the Foundation’s decision for the final donation dollars to build new homes, she said she was skeptical of how much it could directly help fire survivors.

“[The foundation is] trying to help bring and give housing to those members of our community, and I’m all for it. But is this the right place to take the money? That’s what I struggle with,” Hart said.

Community Foundation Boulder County CEO Tatiana Hernandez explained that the three funded affordable housing projects will prioritize individual survivors in applications to the estimated 68 new apartment and single-family home options.

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A neighborhood that burned during the Marshall Fire. 

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Hernandez explained, “Folks who have rebuilt might not feel completely recovered, when some of them have loans that they need to pay off for their home rebuilds. On the positive side, we’ve seen people really excited about what it means to maybe bring some back, some renters who were displaced, with some options. It means for the community to have some dedicated affordable housing.”

The funds are being divided between Impact Development Fund, Penrose LLC, and Flatirons Habitat for Humanity. The exact totals and project goals can be found here.

Hernandez continued to explain the foundation’s focus on a wide reach, adding, “We recognize that the financial need in the aftermath of this fire was massive… So, what we’ve tried to do is provide as broad a base of support for everybody and deeper support for those who really will not financially recover.”

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Some survivors like Jen are still waiting on Xcel Energy settlement payouts. She says the debt can add up.

“We have to have a judge rule on [the final settlement]… So, then there’s $6 million other dollars of funds sitting around. So, it’s kind of like, ‘Hey, here we are!’ but we’re just trying to be patient through it all,” Hart said.

Hernandez also said that if anyone still needs financial aid, the Community Foundation Boulder County still has funds available for people who qualify under their recovery support program. Hernandez says this program continues to help survivors pay for rent or even medical bills and expects to do so through most of next year.

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Rebuilding in the wake of the Marshall Fire. 

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Applications for this financial assistance opened this month, and the website says they will stay open through Jan. 31, 2027.

Not everyone impacted by the fire will qualify, but more information on those requirements can be found here.

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Colorado teen who survived shark attack walks runway at Avalanche charity event

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Colorado teen who survived shark attack walks runway at Avalanche charity event


DENVER (KDVR) — A Colorado teenager who lost her leg in a shark attack isn’t just walking again; she’s sharing the spotlight with one of her favorite hockey players.

Seventeen-year-old Annabelle Carlson took the runway Sunday at the Colorado Avalanche’s annual charity brunch, an event that raises money for community programs supported by Kroenke Sports Charities. The fundraiser, now in its third decade, is considered one of the team’s most impactful events of the year.

Carlson walked arm-in-arm with Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog, drawing applause from a crowd of more than 450 attendees.

Standing tall again has been a long journey for the Colorado high school student. Carlson lost her leg after surviving a shark attack during a family trip to Belize in 2024. Since then, she has undergone multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.

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“I think being negative about things like this — it takes such a toll on how you view yourself and how you get through things,” Carlson said. “But I’d rather see everything like, not everything you lose is a loss.”

Carlson has now returned to skiing and hopes to pick back up with playing her favorite sport, lacrosse. But it took a lot of guts and resilience to get to where she is now.

“In my eyes, she’s extraordinary,” Landeskog said. “What she’s gone through at that age, it’s not easy to do.”

The charity event highlights children who have overcome serious medical challenges, pairing them with Avalanche players for a runway walk to spotlight their strength. Players also served brunch and helped auction off team gear and game tickets.

“It was really cool to meet him,” Carlson said of Landeskog. “It’s definitely a flex. Not everyone gets to meet the Avalanche. I’m super lucky and super excited to be here.”

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Having gone through some injuries of his own, including damage to his knee, which took him out of play for several seasons, Landeskog said Carlson’s attitude is remarkable.

“She’s young, she’s brave,” he said. “I feel like she’s got a better head on her shoulders than I do, so I feel like I can learn a lot from her as well.”

The team said many players stay in touch with the children and their families long after the event ends, adding that the annual brunch is a day the whole team looks forward to each year.



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++[LIVESTREAMS]TV!! New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Live 𝖲𝗍𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗆

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++[LIVESTREAMS]TV!! New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC  Live 𝖲𝗍𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗆


New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC live: New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC look to seize control of thrilling New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC . Every team in the New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC has two wins apiece as we go into the final two game weeks. New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC will host New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Park Stadium with the New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC a single point ahead of New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in the standings and just one behind leaders New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC .



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+)WAY TO WATCH Free New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC LIVE

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+)WAY TO WATCH Free New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC LIVE


New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC LIVE GAME: New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC look to seize control of thrilling New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Every team in the New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC has two wins apiece as we go into the final two game weeks. New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC will host New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Park Stadium with the New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC a single point ahead of New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in the standings and just one behind leaders New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.



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