Groups working to help those impacted by Ruidoso Flooding, and where to donate

RUIDOSO, New Mexico (KVIA) -- Heavy flooding caused massive damage in the Village of Ruidoso, killing three. Some are rebuilding in areas that were damaged, even as the community braces for more potential flooding - while still coming together to help neighbors in need.

The devastation can still be seen near the Rio Ruidoso where flood waters reached as high as 20 feet.

Repairs had begun to some properties in the path, while at others, the damage hasn't even begun to be assessed. But just a few minutes drive away from the worst of the damaged areas, there are people who are working to help give those who lost everything in these floods a little bit of help and assistance in getting through the next days. 

"We're here. We're ready. This community is strong," said Abel Guzman, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Lincoln County.

The organization has shut down regular shelter and charity shop operations to focus on providing assistance to people digging out or displaced from their home. They're also housing animals found amidst the floods, about 15 so far.

"Right now, we have people coming in, just getting items that they need just to survive the next couple of days, the next couple of weeks," Guzman said. "And we're going to be here for them, anything from food to clothing to cleaning supplies to the everyday necessities, stuff that they need."

New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich visited the town and spoke to the media Friday while making a donation of supplies to the Humane Society of supplies and pet food.

More resources are being called for and preparation for more rain this weekend is underway in areas affected by the flooding. This comes as business owners are calling for people to return.

A cabin near downtown Ruidoso that was shoved off its foundation and sits as a crumpled pile of debris on the north bank of the Rio Ruidoso is only about 300 feet away from Sudderth Dr., one of the major business streets in town where shops and stores are still open. The street sits a few dozen feet higher than the river, and utilities are still on and working there. Tourists and visitors to the area could be seen perusing shops and going in and out of restaurants Friday afternoon as the town and businesses try to stay open.

But the specter of more rain and possible flooding in the forecast has residents and organizations working to respond concerned.

"Unfortunately we know it's going to come," Guzman said. "Hopefully not to this degree (of flooding), but we're here ready to help out and whatever is needed."

The Humane Society has dozens of people visiting every day since they switched to operating as a supply point less than 24 hours after the flooding Tuesday afternoon and evening.

"Right now I want to say we're serving probably about 300 people," Guzman said. "We're a community of 8,000."

Beatrice Parraz volunteers with the Humane Society - and is now helping with the distribution of supplies. She lost her home to the floods last year after the Salt Fire, and now feels the need to help her neighbors.

"Because they helped me last year when I needed the help," Parraz said, "and everybody pitched in and helped."

While the weather has her and others on edge, she hopes that in helping, others can find the same comfort she received in her time of need.

"We've always been there, always, always been strong," Parraz said. "And that's why we call it Ruidoso strong."

Donations can be brought to the Humane Society Resale Shop at 26048 US Hwy 70 in Ruidoso, or monetary donations to support their operations made online at hslcnm.org

The Community Foundation of Lincoln County is also accepting monetary donations to support overall recovery efforts online at www.cfolc.org