What is the Colorado VOAD Member Directory?
The Colorado VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) Directory is a comprehensive operational catalog of the nonprofit, faith-based, and community-based organizations that provide essential human services before, during, and after disasters across the state. Far more than just a contact list, this directory serves as a technical resource map that outlines the specific capabilities, specialized equipment available, and geographical footprints of our member and partner agencies.
The Value to Emergency Management: For local and state government partners, this directory is a critical tool for operationalizing the “Whole Community” approach to disaster management.
- Gap Identification: Quickly identify which agencies can handle “unmet needs” that fall outside the scope of government aid (e.g., muck-and-gut, spiritual care, or pet sheltering).
- Force Multipliers: View the “boots on the ground” resources—from mobile kitchens to chainsaw crews—available to support your jurisdiction without exhausting municipal budgets.
- Targeted Partnerships: Use the “Member Agency Profiles” to find the right cultural or technical fit for specific community demographics and/or needs.
Working in Unison: Why This Partnership Matters
Effective disaster response requires government and voluntary agencies to work in lockstep rather than in silos. When Emergency Managers understand VOAD capabilities before a crisis:
- Redundancy is reduced: Resources are deployed where they are most needed, preventing duplication of efforts.
- Trust is pre-established: Clear communication lines ensure that voluntary agencies are integrated into the EOC structure rather than operating as “spontaneous” external actors.
- Recovery is accelerated: By engaging VOAD partners early in the planning and response phases, the transition to Long-Term Recovery (LTR) is smoother for survivors.
How to Request Colorado VOAD Activation & Support
Colorado VOAD does not “self-deploy” in a way that bypasses local authorities; we operate in support of the established emergency management structure.
- Initial Notification: In the event of a disaster, the COVOAD Executive Committee should be notified via the State, Region, or County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or directly via email at ColoradoVOAD@gmail.com.
- The Request Process: Local Emergency Managers should request VOAD support through their County Emergency Manager, who will then coordinate with the State Voluntary Agency Liaison (VAL) or directly with the COVOAD leadership team.
- Communication Expectations: Once activated, COVOAD will initiate regular coordination calls (often via Google Meet) to share SITREPs, identify resource gaps, and provide a unified voice for all participating VOAD members and partners.
Key Sections to Note:
- Deployment Procedures (Page 9): Guidelines on how agencies are integrated into state and local response.
- Member Profiles (Starting Page 11): Detailed breakdowns of individual agency missions, training, and equipment.
- Subcommittees (Page 8): Specialized groups focused on Mass Care, Donations Management, and Spiritual Care that can be called upon for expert advice.
Summary: This directory is a roadmap to collective efforts and a more resilient Colorado. By understanding the breadth of our members’ capabilities today, you are ensuring a more compassionate and efficient recovery for your community tomorrow.
Making Updates to Service Capabilites or Points of Contacts for Member Agencies: Please take a moment to fill out the Agency Contact Form here as a new Colorado VOAD member or partner OR to share an update related to point of contacts or services offered for an existing member or partner. This information will be reflected back to the membership and will be used to update our COVOAD website, directory, and email distribution list, at minimum, on an annual basis.