The recent report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has spotlighted New Mexico as one of the states experiencing a significant increase in homelessness, placing it amidst a national crisis that has seen homelessness in the U.S. reach its apex. Central to New Mexico’s homelessness surge is the staggering 70% hike in rent prices since 2017, a factor that has pushed more individuals and families beyond the brink of housing affordability.
In Las Cruces, New Mexico, the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope emerges as a beacon for those grappling with homelessness, underscoring the dire need for permanent housing solutions and the development of affordable housing. Despite increasing support from federal, state, and local partners, the demand for assistance surpasses what is currently available, with around 200 individuals seeking help from the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope alone. Camp Hope, a tent city managed by the organization, underscores the acute need for shelter, providing temporary refuge to 50 people nightly.