Homeless search for shelter from the heat in Las Cruces

Nancy Clabaugh says she’s determined to stay hydrated, even if she’s homeless in Las Cruces.

“I try to remind people, constantly, always, ‘Are you guys drinking enough water, are we all drinking enough water?”

The 56-year-old has found shelter at Camp Hope in Las Cruces, where she can take showers, drink water and even enjoy the camp’s misters.

“If there’s a little bit of wind blowing, a little bit of that cool mist comes on to you,” Clabaugh told ABC-7.

“We’re trying to be really proactive in making sure that everybody’s hydrated,” said Nicole Martinez, the executive director of Camp Hope.

She said they’ve already had emergency responders for people suffering from heat exhaustion.

“We feel like we really need to be on high alert right now,” Martinez said. “We’re making sure that we’re asking questions. If somebody looks like they’re extra tired, or dehydrated, we’re asking. We’re not waiting until we get to that point where somebody’s already passed out.”

Clabaugh said her camp is sometimes too hot in the afternoon, so she’ll seek shelter under a nearby tree, hoping for a cool breeze.

“It stays shady most of the day; I call that my sweet spot,” she said with a chuckle.”

Camp Hope needs donations during this warm time of year. They ask for bottled water, sunblock, Chapstick and fruit.

You can call Camp Hope at (575) 571-2087. They’re located at the corner of Amador Avenue and Valley Drive in Las Cruces.