Former Gov. Richardson partners with Olmos, Trejo on relief fund for Colonias

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has recruited two Hollywood actors to help raise money for areas of Doña Ana County that were already struggling before the pandemic.

Colonias — the unincorporated, low-income areas along the U.S.-Mexico border — often lack adequate housing and potable water, but the issues have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Richardson’s philanthropic foundation is partnering with The Las Cruces Sun-News to promote a relief fund, the newspaper reported this week.

Richardson says he reached out to Edward James Olmos and Danny Trejo to see if they would join.

The fund has amassed $40,000. The Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico will process applications for those looking for assistance. The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico will manage the fund.

Trejo runs his own taco restaurants in Los Angeles, where he has been helping to hand out food to families and health care workers.