Flood Anniversary – Rebuilding Continues

This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.

The face of our landscape and the lives of our neighbors were forever changed four years ago, as a thousand year rain pounded down upon Boulder, Larimer and Weld Counties. Tangled debris remains – like scars on the riverbanks – reminding us of the unfathomable devastation of those September days. Yet it is also a testament to the resolve for restoration with which that destruction has been met.

Habitat for Humanity is known for building housing and providing affordable mortgages to first time homeowners, based on need. But Habitat for Humanity of the Saint Vrain Valley expanded their mission four years ago. Its “ReBuild” program was initiated in response to needs imposed by the historic northern Colorado flooding in September 2013. The Longmont-based nonprofit organization has been involved in performing critical repairs and constructing homes for families displaced by the floods ever since.

On Wednesday, September 13^th at 5:00 PM, the St. Vrain Habitat for Humanity affiliate will be kicking off the construction of six new homes in Lyons, for flood-displaced families, with a site blessing. It will be held at 2^nd Avenue and Park Street – the location for the homes. The community is invited to attend and share in this celebrating the resiliency of the human spirit and the power of community.   

Dave Emerson, St. Vrain Habitat for Humanity's Executive Director noted that, “Rebuilding of homes, lives and communities is ongoing. This painstaking, yet healing, work is made possible because of the generous financial support of the community and thousands of hours of volunteer time to construct these homes.”

“As the flood waters retreat in Texas and Florida, Habitat affiliates in those communities will engage in the same recovery and rebuilding efforts,” stated John Lovell, Director of Development for St. Vrain Habitat. “Our Park Street development is a perfect example of the long term commitment that Habitat makes to support the communities in which we live and work.”

Habitat for Humanity of the Saint Vrain Valley was established in 1988. They recently dedicated their 80^th home. In addition, 22 critical repairs and rebuilding projects associated with the flooding of 2013 have been completed in Longmont, Lyons, Erie and Frederick. For more information about Habitat’s work, visit www.stvrainhabitat.org. 

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This is a press release issued by Habitat for Humanity of the Saint Vrain Valley and published by the Longmont Observer as a public service.