Stephanie Rowland and her partner, Jim, were cozied up on the couch when they noticed the faint smell of smoke. As it grew stronger, they knew something wasn't right and called for the Colorado Springs Fire Department.

Firefighters found a fire burning beneath their trailer, where dryer lint had quietly built up without them knowing, and quickly went to work.

As firefighters fought the fire, Fire Lieutenant Joey Buttenwieser was already thinking ahead. He knew the flames would probably soon be out, but Stephanie and Jim's recovery was just beginning, so he called the American Red Cross.

That call brought local Disaster Action Team volunteers Valerie Lash and Kate Walters to Stephanie's patio.

By then, the shock of the ordeal was sinking in. Plastic plumbing lines beneath the trailer had melted. Firefighters had broken through a bathroom wall to reach the fire. Smoke and soot had spread through the home. Stephanie had scraped her arm getting everyone to safety, including three dogs, a cat and a brand-new litter of kittens.

So Valerie and Kate sat down. They listened. They brought water and snacks, fresh blankets, toiletry kits, financial assistance for disaster-related needs and extra supplies for the pets.

As Valerie opened the case, she made sure Stephanie understood where the financial help came from. Red Cross donors had given so help would be there for someone on a day like this. It wasn't a loan and there was nothing to pay back.

Stephanie also asked about spiritual support. Valerie arranged for a Red Cross volunteer specially trained in non-denominational spiritual care after disasters to reach out the next day.

But one of the things Stephanie remembered most couldn't be packed into a comfort kit.

Someone held her hand.

"I have so many things to worry about, but this morning I'm thankful for the Red Cross," Stephanie said. "You sat here with me, listened to me and held my hand. That means so much. We aren't feeling alone."

Stephanie and Jim remain without water and electricity while repairs are made, and they are far from alone. Last fiscal year, Red Cross Disaster Action Teams responded to approximately 824 incidents across Colorado and Wyoming, helping people affected by disasters such as home fires.

Behind every response is a partnership of first responders, volunteers and donors helping people take those first steps toward recovery.

You can be part of that response. Donations help provide immediate assistance and trained DAT volunteers are the people who show up, sit down and help families figure out what comes next.

To volunteer, visit redcross.org/volunteer. To donate, visit redcross.org/donate.