Erica Solove was among more than 1,000 residents in Boulder County, Colorado, who lost their homes in the 2021 Marshall fire, a fast-moving wildfire that devastated densely populated suburban neighborhoods. Solove described the area as one where wildfire was considered unlikely, noting the proximity to everyday amenities such as Target, Costco, and Whole Foods. Forced to flee with only what she could carry, Solove and her family were left displaced and without possessions.

Reflecting on the immediate aftermath, Solove recounted scenes reminiscent of a modern-day Noah’s ark, with evacuees gathered in hotel lobbies accompanied by a variety of pets and makeshift collections of their belongings. The widespread destruction prompted her to connect with others affected by wildfires via support groups on social media.

Through her engagement in these online communities, Solove was introduced to Extreme Weather Survivors, an organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families impacted by natural disasters. After learning about the group’s mission and work, she chose to join its staff, motivated by her experience of community reliance and mutual aid. “I held to my neighbors, and that’s how I personally survived,” she said, emphasizing the importance of material support and social networks during recovery efforts. She recognized that the challenges she faced were part of a broader, more complex crisis affecting many communities.

In her role with Extreme Weather Survivors, Solove connected with Marisa Aguayo, whose home in San Diego was severely damaged by flooding caused by intense rainfall. Aguayo became involved after encountering a group member living nearby and reached out to Solove seeking guidance on organizing relief efforts and supporting survivors within her primarily Spanish-speaking neighborhood. Their conversations extended for several hours, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive approaches in disaster recovery work.

The experiences of Solove and Aguayo highlight the growing intersection of extreme weather events and community-driven responses. As climate-related disasters increase in frequency and severity, organizations like Extreme Weather Survivors play a pivotal role in bridging gaps in formal aid and fostering resilience among affected populations.