Year: 2021
Location: Granby, Co.

In October 2020, a small wildfire in Colorado rapidly intensified to have 100 mile per hour winds that consumed 193,000 total acres. The East Troublesome Fire became the second largest wildfire in Colorado history, destroying 366 homes and 188 outbuildings, with total damages exceeding $190 million. Many residents were displaced, and the wildfire worsened the existing housing shortage in the area.

The Grand County Builders Association (GCBA) partnered with the Columbine Community Foundation for Grand County to lead local rebuilding efforts. The pair received a $70,000 HBIDRF grant to provide 14 home owners with $5,000 each to cover a portion of materials and labor costs for rebuilding their homes. The Community Foundation, which has a 25-year history serving the area, established a Wildfire Relief Fund to manage applications from home owners in need.

The grants were directly paid to contractors and remodelers on behalf of the 14 selected households. GCBA members coordinated repairs and worked with trusted contractors to help home owners restore their homes.