Community of Hope Tents to Rents fundraiser: Harris’s story

Editor’s note: This is the next in a series about residents of the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope’s Camp Hope tent city and the 2023 Tents to Rents fundraising campaign, which began Aug. 14, as Mesilla Valley Community of Hope (MVCH) raises funds to support Camp Hope, helping to move camp residents into their own apartments.

Harris is a man who lives with pain. Three spinal surgeries and cardiac bypass left this veteran unable to work, as his jobs in construction and as a truck driver became too physically difficult. Eventually he lost his home, receiving very little from the sale, but he used his limited money to get bus tickets to travel across the country from his home in Florida. Over the past year he has camped at bus stops and in wooded city parks, sleeping outside in rain and cold without any shelter.

But the new year brought positive changes for Harris, who arrived at Camp Hope in January. As a veteran, he had priority for placement in stable housing, and within two months was helped to move into his own apartment at the complex for veterans. Camp Hope caseworkers helped him set up a safety net, ensuring he had security, food and shelter. He is finding a renewed sense of community with his fellow veterans and enjoying his independence.

Please consider helping us create community by clicking our secure website at tentstorents.org.

Fun run

The New Mexico State University Office of Experiential Learning is sponsoring the Aggies Giving Back 5K Color Fun Run, 7-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Pan American Center, 1810 E. University Ave.

Tents to Rents will receive 100 percent of the proceeds from the event.

The fundraising run and walk are open to all students, faculty, staff and alumni of NMSU, along with community members. Minors can also participate, with those under the age of 16 accompanied by an adult.

The entry fee is $20 per person or $85 for a group of five. The first 150 participants will receive a FK Color Fun Run tee shirt.

Colorful and creative dress for the run/walk, including tutus, hair accessories, socks and sunglasses, are encouraged.

“Runner/walkers will take a course through the beautiful NMSU campus with locations on the route where runners will get covered in color powder,” according to the event description. “There will be a finish line celebration with vendors, music and food.”

Visit https://happeningnext.com/event/aggies-giving-back-5k-color-fun-run-eid4so4kntvx81. Scroll down and click on “Find Tickets” to reserve a spot in the run or to make a donation.