Neighbors Helping Neighbors - Bridger Foothills Fire Relief Fund

When the Bridger Foothills fire consumed more than 7,000 acres, the greater Bozeman community responded. Even before the flames were fully extinguished, Greater Gallatin United Way and the One Valley Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Southwest Montana Community Organizations Active in Disaster (SWMT COAD), created the Bridger Foothills Fire Relief Fund in response to the community requests. In total, more than $405,000 in funding was raised to assist those impacted by the fire through direct community donations, hosted events, branded product sales, art auctions, and other creative, community-driven efforts. Over 861 donations to the relief fund supported 105 individuals from 42 households and provided funds to six organizations that responded to the fire and post-fire needs. At this time, the Greater Gallatin United Way and One Valley Community Foundation are no longer actively fundraising for the Fund. However, the lingering impacts on the individuals and environment continue to unfold. For those impacted by the fire, when the immediate scramble to recover and regroup from loss fades, mental health needs can emerge. For this reason, the balance of the fund is dedicated to supporting the emotional and mental health needs of the children and adults affected by the fire.