By David Rupert, American Red Cross

"Last year, a fire was moving up the valley toward our home, so I understand some of what they are feeling," recalled Red Cross volunteer Lisa Eakle. "It was frightening."

Lisa's home did not burn, but the scare she and her husband experienced last year remains fresh in her mind. That experience gives her an extra sense of empathy as residents affected by the Aspen Acres Fire come to the Recovery Assistance Center in Pueblo, Colo.

The center is a multi-agency destination where various community organizations help residents as they return to their homes. The Red Cross specifically uses the center to identify people who have been affected by a disaster, provide recovery support, facilitate next steps and, in some circumstances, provide financial support.

"The center provides different resources for people who have been affected by the disaster that happened with these wildfires," said Emily Martin, Red Cross manager at the center. "It's a place for people to get connected with their recovery needs."

"We can help people affected by a disaster replace medications, durable medical equipment and other immediate needs," she said. "We help individuals navigate the recovery process."

Emily has a staff of eight that works in various roles, including registration, interviews and casework.

The Red Cross plays an integral role in the center, offering references for disaster mental health, spiritual care and health care. These resources have already been identified thanks to the work already done at the local Red Cross level.

"Everyone has been extremely grateful. It's been heartwarming to see," Emily said.

She especially wants to credit her team for their hard work. "They've been so attentive to people we serve and that has helped them be responsive to what we can offer."

As recovery begins to shift from immediate needs to more long-term help, the number of people affected by the Aspen Acres Fire contacting the center has slowed. But for Emily and her team, what matters is that they remain available and making a difference.

"Knowing that we are here has been comforting for the community," Emily said. "We can't solve all the issues, but we are empowering those affected and providing them with the tools to be proactive in their recovery."

In her volunteer role, Lisa has been part of the Disaster Action Team, helping guide those affected by the wildfire through the registration process. It involves asking many questions, some of which are difficult.

"Maybe their house is still standing, but they’ve been through the trauma — just like I did," Lisa said. "We understand how devastating something like this is."

Many of the people Lisa works with are kind and appreciative, but she's also seen a variety of emotions, including frustration and anger.

"Things like this bring up all kinds of emotions, and everyone processes them differently. We understand all of that," she said.

Lisa has enjoyed the camaraderie with the other members of the Red Cross team, most of whom she didn’t know before this deployment.

"It gives me goosebumps to be with these great people and to know they are putting in all this time as volunteers. It's amazing," Lisa added.