In a recent session, the Las Cruces City Council approved significant funding allocations aimed at supporting local nonprofits and advancing affordable housing initiatives.
Funding for Nonprofit Organizations
The Council authorized $600,000 from the Telshor Facilities Fund to be distributed among 18 local nonprofit organizations. Each organization will receive $33,333 to aid in providing healthcare and supportive services to the community. The nonprofits benefiting from this funding include:
- Amador Health Center
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Las Cruces
- Boys and Girls Club of Las Cruces
- Casa de Peregrinos
- Catholic Charities of Southern New Mexico
- Community Action Agency
- El Caldito Soup Kitchen
- El Calvario United Methodist Church
- Families & Youth Inc.
- Jardin de los Niños
- La Casa, Inc.
- La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services
- Lutheran Family Services
- Mesilla Valley CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
- Mesilla Valley Community of Hope
- New Mexico Legal Aid
- Roadrunner Food Bank
- Southern New Mexico Diabetes Outreach
The decision was passed with a 4-2 vote, with Councilors Cassie McClure and Bill Mattiace opposing. Councilor McClure expressed concerns about the uniform distribution of funds, suggesting that a more needs-based allocation could be more effective.
Advancements in Affordable Housing
In addition to nonprofit funding, the Council approved the donation and sale of city-owned land to facilitate affordable housing projects:
- Land Donation to Crosstown Ministries: A vacant parcel at 705 N. 5th St. was donated to New Mexico Wind Inc., operating as Crosstown Ministries, for the development of affordable housing.
- Land Conveyance to Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation: Four city-owned parcels located on the 1200 block of N. Tornillo St. and 1040 Campo St. were conveyed to Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation to support further affordable housing developments.
These initiatives reflect the Council’s ongoing commitment to addressing housing affordability and supporting organizations that provide essential services to the residents of Las Cruces.