Community of Hope presents wish list for lawmakers

Mesilla Valley Community of Hope is looking for nearly $9 million from state lawmakers to expand services, according to a presentation on Dec. 2.  

The money would help cover some of the costs of four projects outlined during a Las Cruces City Council meeting. Government entities and quasi-governmental entities like Community of Hope can receive state money through capital outlay or appropriation. The money typically goes towards brick-and-mortar projects.  

The city’s chief administrative officer, Barbara Bencomo, said Community of Hope was looking for $8.8 million. The proposed projects include:

• $5 million for The Kitchens, a 20,000-square-foot soup kitchen and licensed commercial community kitchens 
• $410,000 to convert an existing patio into a de-escalation office 
• $600,000 for the planning, designing and construction of a solar project for Amador Health Center and El Caldito Soup Kitchen  
• $2.7 million for roadway and pedestrian improvements, including two HAWK systems, a bus/turning lane, a third emergency exit driveway, lateral, trail development/fencing and parking lot renovations as part of the Mesilla Valley master plan implementation. 

The Las Cruces City Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution containing the recommendations, although COH can submit the request independently.  

The legislative session begins Jan. 21.