Las Cruces Homeless Shelter Is Educating Youth

As a state, New Mexico rates within the bottom 10 states, #46, for: the extent of child homelessness, the well-being of children and the risk for family homelessness.

Local nonprofit, Jardin de los Niños, is receiving recognition for all its work in Las Cruces.  They have obtained their five-star rating for early childhood education from the New Mexico FOCUS program and have been awarded nonprofit of the year in both 2014 and 2015.  Their mission to create new possibilities for homeless and near homeless children and their families through loving childcare, education, and the use of community resources closely aligns with Chihuahuan Desert Charities mission to support economic success in the community via educating our youth in agricultural sustainability, creating an eco-literate next generation and ultimately bringing food security to the Chihuahuan Desert people.

There is a lot that happens around the world we cannot control. We cannot stop earthquakes, we cannot prevent droughts, and we cannot prevent all conflict, but when we know where the hungry, the homeless and the sick exist, then we can help.”  Jan Schakowsky

The impact on children growing up in high poverty rates, lack of affordable housing, racial disparities, single parenting challenges and traumatic experiences are endless.  Our children struggle with hunger and sickness, mental health problems and if that wasn’t enough they struggle in academia. We can see changes in brain architectures that can interfere with learning, emotional self-regulation, cognitive skills, and social relationships. Chihuahuan Desert Charities is ready to make a difference. Will you join us?

Dr. Tom Dormody discussing Jardin de los Niños

We have come dangerously close to accepting the homeless situation as a problem that we just can't solve.     

Linda Lingle

The DYGUP & SUSTAIN Program is a non-profit dedicated to regenerative organic agricultural practices to teach the benefits of land stewardship in the Paso del Norte Region. DYGUP, an acronym for Developing Youth from the Ground Up, is available to youth ages 14-17. The SUSTAIN program targets adults over 18 and combines "Roots Of Success" Environmental Literacy Curriculum with intensive farmer training. The DYGUP/ Sustain Program has many partnerships in the community including Taylor Hood Farms, Backyard  Farms LC, First Christian Church, and Las Cruces High-School. Chihuahuan Desert Charities is proud to be the fiscal sponsor for DYGUP & Sustain and support their important work in the Las Cruces community.

Support the DYGUP & Sustain Program at Legacy Farm in Las Cruces by visiting ChihuahuanDesertCharities.org