16-03-2025
Senior living home takes in displaced residents after explosion, seeking community donations
DENVER (KDVR) — After an explosion at an assisted living center this week forced nearly 90 seniors from their homes, a similar facility not far away jumped into action to put a roof over many of their heads, and the staff there needs your help to make them feel comfortable.
It started when one Harvard Square by Cogir employee saw the news on their phone.
'Immediately ran in, interrupted a meeting we were in, and it was not even a second thought. We just jumped into action,' said Phyllis DeLaricheliere, Harvard Square's executive director.
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They didn't know exactly what happened, but they knew they wanted to help.
'We just heard that there was a major catastrophe,' she said.
DeLaricheliere said Cogir, Harvard Square's parent company, told them to get whatever they needed.
'We all went out to Walmart, I think they thought we were crazy. You know, like, 40 shampoos,' she said.
All of the necessities needed to take in as many of the displaced people as they could, 13 so far and up to five more next week, all while ensuring their families took on no financial burden.
'We're trying to do the best we can because they don't know when they can go back,' said DeLaricheliere.
She said all parts of the community have stepped up, including businesses like Denver Mattress, who she said gave them a discount to buy extra beds. The current residents at Harvard Square have pitched in, too.
'They actually have been putting together bags of donations. Clothes, socks,' said DeLaricheliere.
Now, they're asking for more donations from the community, everything from table lamps and bedside tables to any item of clothing you can think of.
'Underwear, t-shirts, bras, underpants, bath robes, slippers,' said DeLaricheliere.
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All with the goal of making the people who lost everything gain just some of it back.
'These residents are pretty grateful that they are alive and have a warm place to live, but it's still not their home yet, right?' said DeLaricheliere. 'It's not where they chose and where they've been spending the last few years.'
Donations are being accepted at Harvard Square, there's a donation box right up front in the lobby. They said they don't have a timetable for how long the displaced residents will be here, instead focusing day-to-day on their current needs.
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