CAASNM in the news

Actor George Lopez joins Former Governor Bill Richardson, Actors Edward James Olmos and Danny Trejo in fund to provide cash assistance to families in the Colonias area of Southern Doña Ana County, New Mexico

June 8, 2020 Actor and comedian George Lopez has joined Former Governor Bill Richardson and Actors Edward James Olmos and Danny Trejo to assist families in the hard hit Colonias area of Southern New Mexico. The Governor Richardson, Edward James Olmos, Danny Trejo, George Lopez COVID-19 Emergency Fund for the Southern Colonias of Doña Ana Countyoffers cash assistance to individuals and families.

“Governor Richardson and I have been friends for a long time and we have done great things together,” said Mr. Lopez. “I’m delighted to join such a wonderful cause for an area in Doña Ana County that I am very fond of.” Daily life in the Colonias was challenging even before COVID-19. Many communities lack infrastructure like paved roads and functioning sewer systems. 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.

Mr. Lopez has worked and filmed in southern New Mexico. Mr. Olmos and Mr. Trejo, both longtime social activists and humanitarians, have also filmed movies in New Mexico. Partnering with the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico and the Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico (CAASNM), the fund offers applicants a one-time check: $150 for individuals or households without children and $300 for individuals or households with one or more children. Families may use this cash assistance for groceries, medical bills, rent, utilities, car repairs, or whatever emergency expenses they might have due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For those interested in donating to the fund, please visit: bit.ly/SCDACemergencyfund
Or mail a check to:
Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico
2600 El Paseo Road
Las Cruces, NM 88001

Please indicate Southern Colonias of Doña Ana County Fund in the memo line.

To apply for assistance, call the Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico at (575) 527-8799 or visit them atcaasnm.org.

For more information: Madeleine Mahony (917) 496-6614 maddy@billrichardson.com