Following fire, Gospel Rescue Mission of Las Cruces needs temporary space

Because a fire scorched the contents of the Gospel Rescue Mission thrift store in Las Cruces, the organization now needs a temporary space to do business.

“At first you have the shock of, ‘It shouldn’t have happened,'” explained the organization’s executive director, Henry Young.

An electrical fire ignited inside the shop on Friday nightwhile no one was inside. Because the fire started right next to the furnace, Young said he’s grateful it didn’t happen in the winter, when the gas would have been running.

“I am thankful that no one was here,” Young said. “It was summertime rather than winter, so there was no explosion or loss of life or anyone that got hurt.”

Multiple community organizations have stepped up to help. Marci Dickerson with Revolution 120 has acquired $11,000 in donations to purchase clothes for the Gospel Rescue Mission’s “Back To School” Program.

“It was just property damage and lost revenue due to the fact that the donated goods are lost for the most part,” Young said. “But that can be recovered.”

The building is insured, however, Young said they need a temporary space to operate for two to three months. The Gospel Rescue Mission employs homeless people who have a chance to work and make a better life for themselves.

If you can donate space to the Gospel Rescue Mission for a few months, please contact Henry Young at (575) 523-7727.