Expectant Mother Asked To Leave Las Cruces Rescue Mission

By Doug Wernet

LAS CRUCES — The Gospel Rescue Mission of Las Cruces provides over 100 spaces for individuals and families a place to sleep each night, but one woman says, despite having four children and expecting her fifth, she is being forced out.

Deanna Costello said officials with the mission asked her to have all of her belongings out by Friday. Rescue mission workers said Costello was uncooperative, left her kids, ages 1 through 7, unsupervised and her designated room unkempt.

Officials allege they even had to notify police when Costello got into an argument with a supervisor. Bill Wheeler described tempering compassion with tough love.

“If she’s creating chaos and discomfort for everyone else who’s staying here, it’s a problem of ministering to the masses. Some tough decisions have to be made,” Wheeler said.

Costello feels the mission is being unfair and unkind, especially during the holiday season. “To me, they really don’t care. They’re supposed to be Gospel and here to help everybody. To me, they’re not here to help anybody.”

She added that she and her children will be staying with a friend for several days, but without a car and no employment, she’s not sure what will happen beyond.