New Mexico with one of the highest increases in homelessness, report finds

LAS CRUCES, NM (KVIA) -- A recent report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development states homelessness in the US has reached an all-time high, among the findings, New Mexico is one of the states with the highest increases.

Nicole Martinez, executive director for the The Mesilla Valley Community of Hope, says one of the main impacts on homelessness is the increase in rent since 2017, “It's said that in the state of New Mexico, rents have risen 70%. So we've seen a lot of people who simply can't afford a roof over their head anymore.”

Mesilla Valley Community of Hope has been at the forefront of addressing homelessness, focusing on providing permanent housing, working on affordable housing development, and expanding work programs. Despite serving more people than ever in the last fiscal year, Martinez notes that the agency received additional help, “We've continued to receive assistance from federal, state, local city of Las Cruces partners to assist with people who are experiencing homelessness, both through innovative programs that we're doing through rental vouchers,” she explains.

The Mesilla Valley Community of Hope currently has around 200 people seeking assistance, “We're seeing an increase in people who are elderly, who are now on fixed incomes, can't afford their rents, really needing assistance. We do serve families as well, as with lots of families who are sleeping in their cars or who are also doubled up with family or friends,” says Martinez.

In their backyard, they have Camp Hope, a tent city, used to house 50 people every night. This area provides temporary shelter in the form of tents, showers, and cooking facilities. Although some people reside in Camp Hope for several weeks or months, the goal for the Mesilla Valley Community of hope is to “enable transition to permanent housing as quickly as possible.”

Martinez asks for the public to speak to legislators about the issue, “We're hopeful that housing for people of low income to zero income will be prioritized so that we can see improvements not only in housing, but housing is health care. So it will help improve people's lives all around, it helps save money for communities when they look to housing options. And we hope that that's something that gets some attention in the next year.”

ABC-7 reached out to the City of Las Cruces about the issue, Councilor Johana Bencomo says, "The City of Las Cruces is deeply aware of the rise of unhoused residents. Because this is one of the biggest issues facing Las Cruces, we must invest our time, resources, and political power to address it and meet the needs of those most vulnerable in our community.

The reality is that there has been a decades long disinvestment from the federal government towards housing programs. This met with the effects of the pandemic, sky high rents, a lack of housing options, and a fentanyl crisis has created a perfect storm. One that now our city and our state must address together. We are prepared to do that and are taking many steps in that direction already."

If you or someone you know are at risk of becoming homeless, click here for more resources.