Addressing the resource gap for vulnerable populations in Doña Ana County

These unprecedented times have created uncertainty for numerous communities across the country. Unfortunately, our New Mexico families are no exception. Too many New Mexicans are struggling to make ends meet. Our world has changed dramatically the past couple of years; from the pandemic, to supply chain issues and shortages of essential goods, to the highest inflation rates we have witnessed in decades — life has become more difficult.

An estimated 2,000-3,000 people become or remain homeless annually, according to thecity of Las Cruces. On top of this, data from Feeding America suggests that 271,210 people are facing hunger in New Mexico, with 99,100 being children.

Many factors contribute to the health and well-being of an individual. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has defined five key social determinants of health that impact an individual’s ability to lead a healthier and more productive life. Among others, food security and stable housing are crucial to helping people thrive.

While policymakers, community leaders and citizens are working hard to address barriers to necessities like shelter and food, there remains a great need to bring additional resources into our communities — especially in Doña Ana County — to help our most vulnerable populations not only survive, but thrive.

Addressing this resource gap is one of the primary reasons The MolinaCares Accord and Casa de Peregrinos have joined forces. Together, we are working to increase available services to vulnerable populations in Doña Ana County.

MolinaCares recently announced the MolinaCares for Families initiative, a commitment of more than $400,000 to improve New Mexicans’ access to health care throughout the state. Through this initiative, MolinaCares is awarding Casa de Peregrinos a $20,000 grant to fund its food security programs and healthy food initiatives, which will provide food to seniors, children, families and people experiencing homelessness. MolinaCares is committed to supporting organizations with a proven commitment to providing programs and services that build up local communities and improve health outcomes.

Founded in 1979 by four La Mesa, New Mexico residents, Casa de Peregrinos, or “House of Pilgrims,” has been providing innovative programs that have been helping Doña Ana County families struggling with food insecurity for decades. Distributing more than three million meals annually, Casa de Peregrinos is the largest emergency food pantry in New Mexico.

As we approach the cold winter months, access to stable housing and food is more important than ever. This winter will be especially challenging as the cost to heat homes and put food on the table becomes more expensive. That is why we embarked on this partnership, and we encourage other local community organizations to consider ways they can give back to those less fortunate.

Anyone in New Mexico can make a difference. Consider making a small contribution to your local homeless shelter, volunteering time to distribute food to those in need, or collecting nonperishable food items from your friends and family that can be donated to a local food bank.

Together, we can support our fellow New Mexicans.

Carolyn Ingram is plan president for Molina Healthcare of New Mexico and Lorenzo Alba Jr. is executive director of Casa de Peregrinos

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Ingram and Alba: Addressing the resource gap for vulnerable populations in Doña Ana County