This may just be one of the best articles!

Take the time to read it here - http://huff.to/YR3SPp
“When the High Park Fire finally finished its rampage through the rural mountains of Larimer County, Colorado last summer, it left behind one person dead, over 87,000 acres of forest burned, 259 homes destroyed and thousands of lives and dreams shattered. But mountain people are tough, and more importantly they stick together and help their neighbors.”

Thanks to Dan at The Huffington Post!

2012 has been a historic year for our community.  We faced one of Colorado’s largest disasters and are now “making a comeback” that will inspire the entire mountain west.  Two years ago we started with a simple idea: build a long-lasting network to help our community sustainably recover after a disaster.  The High Park Fire put our idea to the test and it is fair to say that we (a 100% volunteer and community powered organization) exceeded even our own high expectations.  Four whirlwind months after the fire, we take a deep breath to reflect on and jubilate over the depth and breadth of NCRN’s successes:

Launch of our “Dirt to Drape Education series. We believe that education is critical for a community to come back safer, stronger, and smarter.  Under the leadership of local architect Greg Fisher, we developed a series of twenty-two “mini-workshops” to help survivors confidently navigate the daunting rebuilding process. We’ve assembled an impressive “tour de’ force” of talent and expertise in Northern Colorado to speak and answer questions for free.

$135,000 distributed through our grant program! NCRN mobilizes local funds to help our community sustainably recover and Amy Alcorn of Apsen Grove Marketing is our world-class “mover and shaker.” Under her leadership (amounting to hundreds of volunteer hours), we’ve been a part of over 50 fundraisers, harnessing immense local business and individual support, and recently allocated grant funds to 37 families, who have already begun rebuilding “safer, stronger, and smarter” homes, utilizing Firewise construction, solar hot water, passive solar design, advanced framing techniques, super-efficient building like Passive House, Pretty Good Houses, and Leed Platinum for Homes.  We in Northern Colorado have a lot to be proud of and NCRN intends to double the amount we’ve already raised to distribute a second round of grants in early 2013 – 100% of the money we raise goes directly to survivors rebuilding after disaster.

Collaborative design process underway. NCRN has facilitated three on-site brainstorming sessions called “design charettees,” held with over 20 architects and builders who are promoting an integrated approach to helping homeowners build back better.  More charrettes are scheduled for the spring.

“Many hands make light the work.” NCRN has scheduled several volunteer work days to help build back structures. $18,000 in donated building materials! In August, the National Center for Craftsmanship donated large windows, maple doors , fixtures, lights and other construction materials valued at over $10,000.  We have been able to distribute some of these materials to 4 families.    One of our members Jordan Levic was kind enough to purchase a semi-trailer in which to store these materials. Also, In September we received pallets of Sashco stain valued at over $8000 , of which survivors are already reserving 5 gal buckets for the spring.

Together we can continue to change the face of rebuilding in Northern Colorado.  We can support our neighbors and our community in the efforts to come back after the disaster safer, stronger and smarter. We are building back communities one house at a time and invite you to help us keep going.  Please tell your friends and families about us.