Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and actors Edward James Olmos and Danny Trejo have created a fund to assist families in colonias in southern Doña Ana County severely impacted by the current public health emergency.
Partnering with the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico and the Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico, the fund offers applicants a one-time check of $150 for individuals or households without children and $300 for individuals or households with one or more children, the Richardson Center for Global Engagement announced in a news release.
“The pandemic has only increased the economic strain facing the families of the colonias with many out of work and unable to afford groceries, gas, rent, utilities and other basic essentials,” the news release said. Many colonias lack infrastructure like paved roads and functioning sewer systems.
“The colonias have always had a special place in my heart, especially when I was governor,” Richardson said in the news release. “The impact of this pandemic on already-struggling areas, like the colonias, has been catastrophic.”
“I cherish my time working and filming in southern New Mexico and with the people of New Mexico,” Olmos said. “All of us have been impacted greatly by the spread of COVID-19, but it’s our collective responsibility to make sure that there’s a safety net for our most vulnerable families.”
“I’ve been doing what I can at home to protect and provide for those most at-risk for COVID-19 and I am honored to join with Gov. Richardson to help the people of the colonias in Southern New Mexico,” Trejo said. “Now more than ever we should reach out and support our neighbors.”
The Richardson Center donated $10,000 to jump start the fund, the news release said. Donations of any size are welcome.
To donate, visit bit.ly/SCDACemergencyfund or mail a check to Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, 2600 El Paseo Road, Las Cruces, N.M. 88001. Indicate Richardson Olmos Trejo Fund in the memo line.
To apply for assistance, call CAASNM at 575-527-8799 or visit https://caasnm.org.