I lied, my schedule is shot, so have a Friday post!
My last post was about the important commentary that happened at the commissioner’s meeting on Tuesday night. Expanding on why the ordinance is so awful, Alamogordo only really has a very tiny pool of options for people who are unhoused that aren’t camping out on the streets.
One such option has been orchestrated by the Otero County branch of the League of United Latin American Citizens.
JoAnn Vullo, president of LULAC, ultimately would like our local government to invest in a shelter, but in the meantime this organization has come up with a way to provide protection against the biting elements.
Starting in November 2024, they began collecting donations to put up unhoused individuals and families in hotel rooms for up to 5 nights at a time.
“We started raising funds through (Facebook) pleas and… donation jars at local businesses,” as they have been more than willing to help.
Personally, I’m very glad something popped up around this time of year. I remember when Alamogordo used to get a bit chilly around late October, and warm up until it snowed once in January. Now, and for the past few years, once it starts to get cold, it stays that way until maybe March? Point being, human beings with no other options deserve better than freezing on the street.
I must say this option is not the most sustainable, charity never is, but until local government actually does more than draft ordinances to address the unhoused population (which again is less than 100 people), it’s a great way the community can get involved.
“We ask that a patron pay what they can, and we will pay the rest,” said Vullo.
So, what can we, specifically, do?
Shop local, and consider adding a few more bucks into your community/the donation jar.
If you know any business owners, ask if they’d be willing to be a patron, or if they’d be willing to have a donation jar.
“Please call the Governor’s office… to issue a CODE BLUE (in Alamogordo) as Albuquerque and Sante Fe did.” Although it would only go so far as we don’t have many resources, a CODE BLUE would funnel resources into sheltering people against the cold, including relaxed requirements for shelter in churches and opening up facilities as temporary shelter.
Also, since internet access isn’t a guarantee for everyone in general, but especially if you’re unhoused, getting the word out to your less-fortunate neighbors by word-of-mouth would be very helpful.
Salud!
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