In the aftermath of mass tragedy, confusion and grief often blend with questions and doubts:
Who is helping the victims? Where is the money going? How are needs being met now—and later?
These are fair questions. At the Colorado Healing Fund (CHF), we believe the best way to restore trust is by sharing facts, data, and a clear view of how we support survivors and families impacted by violence.
The Scope of the Crisis in Numbers
Between 2009 and 2020, the U.S. experienced:
- 240 mass shootings
- 1,363 people killed
- 947 wounded
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), 1 in 4 victims were youth—and nearly 75% of youth victims were involved in some form of domestic violence. Alarmingly, 61% of mass shootings took place in the home.
In Colorado, the reality is just as stark. Over the past decade, our state has endured:
- 61 mass shootings
- 328 people shot
- 82 killed
- 246 injured
(See Zeoli et al., 2022)
Why Colorado Healing Fund Was Created
The Colorado Healing Fund was established to support victims, survivors, and communities impacted by mass violence. Our role isn’t to just provide one-time payouts. Instead, we work in coordination with trusted local partners to assess what is needed—immediately, intermediately, and long-term.
Our Three-Phase Support Model
Immediate Needs
- In the hours and days after tragedy, CHF helps fund:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Emergency lodging and travel
- Crisis mental health support
- Lost wages and basic necessities
Intermediate Needs
- As families begin rebuilding, we support:
- Ongoing trauma counseling
- Legal assistance
- Educational support for affected youth
- Community healing events
Long-Term Needs
- Even when media attention fades, CHF continues to fund:
- Extended physical and psychological care
- Relocation for survivors who can’t return to the scene
- Financial planning services
- Long-term mental health care
You can explore more about trauma and recovery at the Colorado Gun Violence Prevention Resource Bank.
Accountability and Action
CHF is more than just a funding organization—we actively provide:
- Crisis management training for first responders and law enforcement
- Ongoing collaboration with mental health experts and victim advocates
- Transparent reporting and oversight
We understand the concerns, and we take them seriously. Our commitment to transparency, compassion, and long-term accountability guides every decision we make.
Moving Forward—Together
Rebuilding trust doesn’t happen overnight—but it starts with shared goals:
To live in a Colorado where no family fears for their safety.
Where violence doesn’t define our communities.
Where healing is possible.
To those with questions: we hear you.
To the communities still grieving, we stand with you.
To every Coloradan touched by violence: we will not back down.
We do this work because the need is real. The grief is real. And healing must be real, too.