11/15/2025
THE POWER OF COLLABORATION: COMMUNITY PARTNERS JOIN FORCES TO SUPPORT UNHOUSED RESIDENTS AND VETERANS
Three weeks ago, Jeneva Martinez of With Many Hands rallied a diverse group of nonprofits, the New Mexico Department of Health, and the Chaves County Detention Center for a roundtable discussion on one of the biggest barriers facing unhoused and at-risk residents: obtaining essential documents. Birth certificates, Social Security cards, and state-issued IDs are all needed to get the others, creating a cycle that can seem impossible to break—especially for those who have lost everything.
Representatives from the Chaves County Detention Center shared that, while they work with the New Mexico Department of Health to help some individuals secure documents prior to release, most people leave with only a booking sheet to verify their identity. This sheet can help them obtain a birth certificate—if they were born in New Mexico—but hanging on to paperwork is a challenge when navigating unstable living conditions. Recognizing this, Dan Jennings with 100% Chaves County and Jesse Hernandez with Alianza of New Mexico began exploring a “document bank” concept to securely store critical documents for people at risk of losing them.
As the conversation expanded, Jocelyn Smith of Food Not Bombs stressed the importance of street outreach, especially with winter approaching. Outreach not only provides cold-weather gear but also helps locate individuals who need replacement documents. Kerry Moore of the Chaves County Health Council added that “Operation Stand Down,” a Veteran-focused outreach event organized through Together with Veterans, was scheduled for February to identify homeless or at-risk Veterans. After assessing growing needs, the group made a pivotal decision: move the event up by three months.
That shift sparked a wave of collaboration. In just three weeks, Together with Veterans secured funding and supplies to launch an accelerated Operation Stand Down. The Health Council mobilized its network, bringing in agencies capable of offering wrap-around services on-site. Molina Healthcare and La Casa Healthcare enrolled attendees in insurance. CASAkids deployed its mobile command unit to assist families. UNM Truman provided STD testing, while the Department of Health offered flu shots and birth certificates. Pecos Valley Emergency Services delivered medical support; America’s Job Center, Roswell Job Corps, and Goodwill provided employment resources. Rustic Health offered home-based personal care, Renew Health shared substance-abuse treatment options, and Roswell Humane Society supplied dog food. ENMMC distributed snacks, and Region Four Housing and HUD-VASH assisted with housing needs. The Las Cruces Vet Center and the Department of Veterans Affairs helped Veterans obtain important records and sign up for benefits.
The results were immediate: Alianza and La Casa Behavioral Health secured housing for four individuals through their linkages program. With Many Hands helped seven people obtain IDs, with two more nearing completion. Food Not Bombs served a Thanksgiving meal to those attending, wrapping the day in community warmth.
The success of Operation Stand Down demonstrates a powerful truth: when organizations join forces, they amplify each other’s impact. By working together, the community can identify its strengths, fill its gaps, and build a stronger, more compassionate Chaves County for everyone.
