You’re not alone
We are here for the journey.
If you’re reading this, chances are life has thrown you one of those curveballs that flip everything upside down. The American Red Cross provided your contact information to us. Our Front Porch is a non-profit that provides free ongoing support to disaster survivors after the initial crisis stage, ensuring they have the tools and resources to stabilize their lives and begin recovery.
A home isn’t just a structure. It is a place of safety, daily routines, memories, and comfort. Losing that space is disorienting, to put it mildly. We are here to help.
Over a decade ago, Our Front Porch was born — a Colorado-based nonprofit built on compassion, curiosity, and a deep respect for people’s resilience. We didn’t start out as experts. We became experts by really listening to the thousands of families who have trusted us to walk alongside them after losing their homes. Why "Our Front Porch?" Because a front porch is where community happens, especially after a disaster. It’s the perfect place to gather, swap stories, ask for advice, and find your people. This is now Your Front Porch. The door is open—pull up a chair and make yourself at home.
What to expect
Starting tomorrow, you will receive a series of toolkits, via email and text, to help you navigate this process.
You can also call Our Front Porch Monday through Friday at 720-593-8606, to speak with someone who can answer your questions. We offer a stress management support group, which we strongly encourage you to join—hearing from others who are going through similar experiences can help you feel less isolated.
You will also be invited to Q&A sessions where you can ask questions and get guidance in real time. The more support you seek and the more questions you ask now, the stronger and more confident you’ll feel as you move through this process.
No one is expected to understand how to navigate this on their own—that’s exactly why Our Front Porch was created. And don’t feel like you have to remember everything in each toolkit, we will send you a link to an index with the final one.
Now, take a deep breath. You’re here, and that’s a really good place to start.
Day one essentials: what to replace right away
After a disaster, it can be overwhelming to know what to purchase right away. This list highlights priority items that help support comfort, communication, health, and daily functioning. Start with the basics, focus on what enables you to function right now, and remember—you can always replace other items later.
Helpful emotional support apps
We know you are navigating a lot right now, and we want to offer some resources to help you manage the stress of this journey. We’ve selected a few apps that can support you at any time—whether you need a moment for deep breathing, a guided meditation to quiet a racing mind, or simple tools to help regulate your nervous system.
✺ What disaster survivors have to say ✺
“That first week I tried to control what was going on. So I overbought to try and feel whole again. I wish I had not done that.”
“I wish that I had not been so shell-shocked and overwhelmed with replacing all that was lost - I should have taken time to absorb the loss and grieve it (or at least start to) before trying to deal with the practicalities.”
Have a question about your recovery? Connect with us here and we’ll get back to you shortly.
And remember, you can also just call Our Front Porch at 720-593-8606 and speak to someone who can answer your questions.