Safety guide
Reaching out and hosting safely
Harbor is a way for Coloradans to offer a spare room or home to neighbors displaced by wildfire. Please read this before you reach out or open your door — a few simple habits keep everyone safer.
Verify before you share
Both sides verify a phone number before contact details are exchanged — that's the one check Harbor does. It confirms a real, reachable person, not that they're trustworthy. Talk by phone before committing, and share only what you're comfortable with until you've built some trust.
Protect your address
Hosts: listings show only your town or neighborhood, never your street address — keep it that way in public. Share exact directions privately, and only once you've spoken and feel comfortable. Guests: meet in a public place first if you can, and let a friend or family member know where you're going and who you're meeting.
Every stay is free — never send money
Hosting on Harbor is offered free of charge. No one should ask you to pay, wire money, send a deposit, or share bank or card details to hold a place — that's the clearest sign of a scam. Colorado law also prohibits price-gouging during a declared emergency. If a host asks for payment, don't pay, and report the listing.
Check current fire and evacuation status
Conditions change fast during an active fire. Before you travel, confirm the current evacuation status for the area yourself — don't rely on a listing alone. Use official sources like InciWeb and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control, and follow any orders from local authorities.
Report anything that seems off
Every listing has a “Report this listing” link on its page. Use it if a host asks for money, a post looks like a scam, the details seem inaccurate, or anything feels unsafe. Reports are logged for review and help keep the directory trustworthy for the next person.
Other help during this emergency
Harbor complements the official disaster-housing programs — it doesn't replace them. If you'd rather work with a case worker, or you need broader support, start here:
- Dial 2-1-1 (Colorado)The statewide hotline for disaster resources, including the funded free-housing program run by Airbnb.org and Mile High United Way with case-worker support.
- InciWeb & Colorado DFPCOfficial, current wildfire and evacuation information for Colorado — check these before you travel.
- Local emergency managementFollow your county sheriff and emergency management for evacuation orders and shelter locations. In an emergency, call 911.
Ready to help or find a place?
If you have space to share, post it so neighbors can find you. If you're looking, browse what's available and reach out directly.