Dear Friends,
Many of you have called or emailed to ask how you or your congregation might offer assistance to Highlands. We would request that you please place this announcement in your bulletin or make an announcement from the pulpit.
At 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 12th, Highlands was asked to open as a Red Cross Evacuation Site for the Allenspark and Raymond/Riverside Areas. In the days following, we sheltered up to 100 people and currently have 7 on site. At this time, we do not know if there will be any reimbursement for serving as an evacuation site. Onsite staff did an outstanding job of caring for our evacuees, each other and protecting our property.
Damage to Highlands includes:
- Major road erosion and about 5 big sink holes. We are waiting for flowing water to stop before we can begin repairs. While we can do much of this work, we will need to purchase fill material and road base.
- Flooding in the basement of the Retreat Center.
- Damage to two staff houses. We are looking for volunteers to help us to repair and reroof Lodgepole. The other staff home has water damage in the lower living level. We are evaluating the needed repairs.
- Flooding in the Activity Center. We would love to have volunteers to help clean the Activity Center and Summer Staff lounge.
In addition, Highlands has lost two weeks of guest groups, and we have been told that our insurance for lost business will not provide payment because a flood and road closures are not a covered event. We are reopening for business on Sunday. We know that we will lose some of our upcoming groups because they will not be able or willing to travel the available routes.
In addition to volunteers, Highlands will need funds for repairs and to support salaries and operations.
Mail Service has been restored and we can receive donations by mail or online at www.highlandscamp.org. Work volunteers can contact Maria Shupe at 303-747-2888.
The Presbyteries of Plains and Peaks and Denver are blessed with the beautiful facilities at Highlands. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve as a shelter in the storm for our community and neighbors.
Maria Shupe
Executive Director
Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center
303-747-2888
www.highlandscamp.org
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