In Boulder County, the scars of the Marshall Fire still mark the land and the hearts of those who faced its fury. In a bid to fortify themselves against future calamities, the residents of Sans Souci Mobile Home Park are receiving a helping hand. Thanks to the Boulder County Wildfire Partners pilot program, and the sinewy efforts of the Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC), this particular community is building defenses, without the burden of additional costs. Last week, MHYC, a dynamic youth-driven force, commenced vital wildfire mitigation services for these residents, many of whom are still picking up the pieces from last December's devastation.
The program, Youth Helping Underserved Individuals and Communities aims to ease the financial strain on the homeowners of Sans Souci, a resident-owned community where, normally, the costs of maintenance fall squarely on their shoulders. But, it's not just about finances, it's also about fostering a culture of preparedness against nature’s whims. According to Boulder County, the program provides indispensable services, such as vegetation management, without a price tag. This arrangement is crucial for a community consisting largely of seniors, many still living under makeshift roof repairs post the straight-line wind event that wreaked havoc alongside the Marshall Fire.
In June, crews from TEENS, Inc. laid the foundational work, clearing communal areas of dense vegetation that could fuel fires, MHYC has now taken the baton, extending their services to individual homes. Their tasks include the limbing and pruning of small trees, the disposal of debris, and the installation of gravel barriers to protect the homes from floating embers, a silent threat that grassland fires often pose.
The importance of community trust in such efforts cannot be overstressed. "Before we began working in Sans Souci, it was important to us [Wildfire Partners] that we create a strong, lasting relationship with the community," said Ellie Stanton, Wildfire Partners Youth Program Specialist, as per Boulder County. Stanton alongside Olimpia Mejia, a bilingual outreach specialist, reportedly spent over a hundred hours engaging with homeowners, and knitting trust into the fabric of the community, a testament to the program's commitment to its social foundation.
