Erica Solove’s home was among more than 1,000 destroyed during the 2021 Marshall fire in Boulder County, Colorado, an event that upended her life and those of many residents in a densely populated suburban area. Despite living close to major retail outlets such as Target, Costco, and Whole Foods, Solove did not anticipate the fire reaching her neighborhood. The rapid spread forced her and her family to evacuate with virtually nothing, leaving them displaced and without possessions.

Recalling the immediate aftermath, Solove described the scene as reminiscent of “Noah’s ark,” with people gathering in hotel lobbies alongside their pets and carrying what few belongings they managed to salvage. In the wake of the disaster, Solove connected with others in Facebook support groups focused on wildfire survivors, which led her to discover Extreme Weather Survivors, an organization dedicated to aiding those affected by natural disasters.

Recognizing the scope of the challenges beyond her own community, Solove joined the staff of Extreme Weather Survivors. She emphasized the importance of neighborly support in her own recovery, as well as the broader need for both material assistance and social networks to help survivors rebuild their lives.

Last year, Solove met Marisa Aguayo, whose family home in San Diego was severely damaged by flooding caused by heavy rains. Aguayo, who came across Extreme Weather Survivors through a local connection, sought Solove’s guidance on organizing relief efforts for flood survivors within her predominantly Spanish-speaking community. Their conversation extended for hours, highlighting the growing network of survivors working together across different regions and types of natural disasters.

Through these connections, Extreme Weather Survivors continues to expand its mission, fostering cooperation among individuals and communities affected by extreme weather events nationwide.