When a mass tragedy strikes—a shooting, an act of terrorism, a large-scale violent event—the emotional and logistical shockwaves are overwhelming. In the aftermath, communities rally, media floods in, and support surges. But after the cameras leave and headlines fade, the recovery process is far from over.
At the Colorado Healing Fund, we’ve seen firsthand that healing isn’t a moment—it’s a journey. Supporting victims, survivors, and communities requires a three-phase response: immediate, mid-term, and long-term.
Here’s what each phase looks like—and why each one matters.
Phase 1: Immediate Response (0–72 hours)
This is the crisis period—when safety, survival, and stabilization are the top priorities.
Key Needs:
- Emergency shelter, food, and transportation
- Notification and support for victims’ families
- Mental health crisis services
- Coordination with law enforcement and victim advocates
- Rapid deployment of financial support for basic needs
How CHF Helps:
We activate our secure donation platform, coordinate with trusted local partners, and begin distributing funds directly to verified victims and survivors within hours. Our goal is to get help to people when they need it most—not days or weeks later.
Phase 2: Mid-Term Response (3 days to 3 months)
Once the initial shock begins to settle, individuals and communities enter the processing stage. This period can be confusing, emotionally raw, and resource-intensive.
Key Needs:
- Trauma and grief counseling
- Funeral and medical expenses
- Temporary relocation or housing support
- Legal aid or workplace leave assistance
- Ongoing peer support and memorial coordination
How CHF Helps:
We work closely with victims’ assistance organizations to address urgent recovery needs. We also ensure donations are distributed equitably and compassionately, providing continued financial assistance as survivors begin to navigate what comes next.
Phase 3: Long-Term Response (3 months to several years)
This is where many systems fall short—and where CHF stays present.
After the headlines fade and public attention shifts elsewhere, survivors and communities continue to carry the lasting emotional impact of mass tragedy. The long-term response is about more than recovery—it’s about rebuilding hope, fostering connection, and ensuring that those affected are never left to heal alone.
Key Needs:
- Ongoing emotional support and access to healing resources
- Safe spaces for reflection and remembrance
- Opportunities to engage in community-led healing and advocacy
- Support for navigating trauma anniversaries and meaningful milestones
How CHF Helps:
At this stage, the Colorado Healing Fund helps facilitate long-term healing by collaborating with trusted partners on initiatives that prioritize community connection. These include:
- Healing retreats and wellness programming for survivors, families, and first responders
- Community remembrance events and memorial projects
- Opportunities for survivor advocacy and engagement, allowing those affected to help shape the future of trauma-informed response
Our work doesn’t end when the news cycle does. Healing is a collective journey—and we remain present to help communities walk that path together.
Why All Three Phases Matter
Each phase of response builds on the last. Survivors can’t heal without safety and basic needs met. Communities can’t rebuild without time and space to grieve. And true recovery only happens when we acknowledge that healing doesn’t follow a timeline.
At the Colorado Healing Fund, we’re committed to the entire journey. We exist to ensure that those affected by mass tragedy are not just remembered—but truly supported in every phase of their healing.