DURANGO, Colo. – Nearly four months after the fire in Historic Downtown Durango destroyed three businesses and impacted another three adjacent buildings, the effort to provide immediate aid to displaced employees and first responders has come to a successful conclusion. Remaining dollars will create the Community Emergency Fund.

The 700 Main Avenue Disaster Relief Fund, established on February 23 (2008) by the Durango Business Improvement District (BID) and subsequently administered by the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado, amassed a total of more than $108,000 from individual donations and community fundraising efforts.

A committee, chaired by Foundation director Lon Erwin, and including representatives from the American Red Cross, BID, City of Durango, Colorado Restaurant Association, La Plata Electric Association and United Way of Southwest Colorado, created a system for fair and equitable distribution of the funds to those in need. Those whose source of income had been impacted by the fire were asked to complete a short application available at the BID office or on line (www.downtowndurango.org).

“Fifty-six families applied for assistance,” said Jasper Welch, BID coordinator, noting that though the fire might have impacted only a single employee, the loss was felt by entire families. “At this juncture, more than $62,000 has been used for assistance.”

No dollars were directly distributed to applicants. Those requesting assistance received Conoco and City Market gift cards on a weekly basis over eight weeks and a one-month City Transit pass, plus a one-time rent or mortgage payment. Maria’s Bookshop and Sunnyside Farms Market also donated gift cards or certificates for distribution, and La Plata Electric applied a $100 credit to electricity accounts.

“Not every employee impacted requested assistance,” said John Wells, BID presiding officer, noting that families, based on need, received an average of approximately $1100 each. “Folks had to take action and come to the BID to fill out the request form. The BID was pleased to assist these individuals and families during this period of transition in their lives.”

The retail businesses affected included, Gardenswartz, Half-Price Tees, Le Rendezvous, the Market Place, Seasons and Termar Trends. Ninety-four known individuals were impacted by the fire.

“What we were able to provide was immediate assistance,” said Erwin, noting that traditionally the Community Foundation works through a granting process with its board of directors to distribute funds to requesting individuals or agencies. “This 700 Main Avenue fund was created differently and directly by the community to support our people. Thus, with demonstrated need we were able to immediately provide assistance.”

The Community Foundation is a 501( c)(3) non-profit entity designed to serve the local community through various endowment funds and grants. The BID partnered with the Foundation to distribute funds donated to the 700 Main Avenue Disaster Relief Fund both to preserve the integrity of the process of fund distribution and to provide contributors with a tax deduction.

Going forward, the funds not dispersed in response to the February 22 fire – currently estimated at $35,000 – will remain with the Community Foundation in a designated fund entitled the “Community Emergency Fund.”

“Establishing the Community Emergency Fund through the Community Foundation will ensure that should such devastating events occur in the future, the infrastructure for immediate response will be in place,” said Erwin. “The Foundation is developing a set of criteria for what constitutes a ‘community emergency.’ We will not duplicate existing services.”

Continuing donations to the new Community Emergency Fund are welcomed. Checks should be made payable to “Community Foundation-Community Emergency Fund” and mailed to the Community Foundation, PO Box 1673, Durango, Colo., 81302. Credit card donations may also be made via the Foundation web site, www.swcommunityfoundation.org.

The Durango Business Improvement District was formed in 1997 with a goal and mission to support businesses within the District by assisting with special event marketing, providing research on topics of concern to the District (facilities, special events, best practices), planning and development of new facilities, and providing capital budget for equipment that enhances business in the District. Funding is generated by a 1.5 mill levy on property owners within the district, with additional marketing dollars contributed by the City of Durango and Durango Area Tourism Office. BID Board members are John Wells, presiding officer; Bob Allen, Karen Barger, Rod Barker and Tim Wheeler.

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