Watch CBS News

Son Takes On A Big Role Helping Hispanic Family Endure Evacuation

LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4) - For some Hispanic families who have been affected by Colorado's historic flooding, navigating through the sudden changes they are experiencing has fallen largely on the children.

That's the case with a family a CBS4 crew found on Thursday at LifeBridge Church in Longmont, which is one of several evacuation centers still providing shelter to evacuees. The parents don't speak English but the children do.

Translate
(credit: CBS)

The 13-year-old boy has had to call his dad's employer and explain why he isn't at work. He also has been filling out dozens of forms and has been busy calling around trying to find an apartment for the family to rent. He translates for his parents during the calls.

"My dad just wants to find a place to rent for a little bit and then go back home," he told CBS4.

Teen
(credit: CBS)

The family's apartment in flood-ravaged Lyons is behind a barricade in an evacuated neighborhood.

"I really want to go back home and stay there and go back to the school I like," said 9-year-old Melanie said. Melanie she feels "a little bit" nervous sleeping in a shelter.

The family members say even a trailer would be fine for them to stay in if they could locate one to stay in.

Taking on a bigger role in the family is something several Colorado children have had to do since the flooding displaced thousands of families; they are learning leadership skills at an unusually early age.

Colorado Floods: How To Help

The recent floods are impacting families and communities throughout Colorado, so CBS4 has compiled a list of ways you can support the local communities impacted by the floods.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.