Help SW Colorado Recover From Devastating Flooding

Southwest Colorado has seen two rounds of historic flooding in October and November. Floodwaters have forced Coloradans from their homes, washed out roads, and impacted businesses. Damage assessments from the first round of flooding were interrupted by new evacuations during the second round.

The Community Emergency Relief Fund is organized by the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado.

The Archuleta and La Plata County Flood Relief Funds are designated for recovery efforts from the October floods in Southwest Colorado. Community stakeholders deploy funds, as needed and as available, to community-based organizations supporting the region through emergency situations.

CERF (Community Emergency Relief Fund) is designated for broad-based community emergencies in Southwest Colorado. Established in 2008 in response to the Season’s Restaurant fire, CERF has been activated for:

• Gold King Mine spill in 2015
• Adobe Building fire in Pagosa Springs in 2016
• 416 Fire in 2018
• COVID-19 pandemic 2020-2021
• Pagosa Springs and Vallecito Floods in October 2025
• Federal SNAP Delays in November 2025

The Community Foundation activates the Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) when needs arise in SW Colorado.

Community stakeholders, including representatives from public health, local governments, school districts, businesses, and nonprofits, prioritize available funds to meet immediate needs in the region, including public health & safety and economic impacts.