Deming Headlight: US Sen. Heinrich visits vets transition center

The Southwest New Mexico Transition Center received a visit from U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) Thursday on a whirlwind tour of the southern half of the state. Heinrich traveled to Luna and Dona Ana counties to meet with local and area organizations in Deming, Hatch and Las Cruces. The tour began Wednesday.

"We are honored Senator Heinrich came by to visit us," said Reggie Price, SWNMTC board president. "His visit means hope — it's given us recognition — it means a lot."

Price, the transition center board members, staff and local veterans, sat down and met with Heinrichto discuss issues veterans face every day and how the transition center is assisting — not only veterans — but the community as a whole.

"It is very enlighting and inspirational to see what the center has been able to do with really limited resources just by levering volunteers and reaching into all parts of the community," Heinrich said. "When you meet people like I just did, it's inspirational."

The local center offers assistance to veterans seeking aide in food, clothing. Once confirmed as a veteran, the center advocates help them to receive any benefits they may be entitled to.

"I had heard good things from my staff about what was going on over here," Heinrich said about why he chose to visit the center, "and how it had really engaged an entire community."

The Southwest New Mexico Transition Center recently opened its doors in November and is located at 320 S. Diamond St., in the back end of the Disabled American Veterans, Tony Viramontes Chapter 2, Hall. Partnering with the Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico, the center distributes 50 pounds of food to local residents on the first and second Wednesday of the month.

Price continues to voice his concerns for local homeless veterans, but also is concerned with what he calls, "the near homeless." These are people working, but still struggling to stay ahead of the rising costs of living.

"Some of these people may not have enough to pay for their utilities or provide for their families," Price said. "There is a great need. We are here — continuing to work."

Luna County is second in New Mexico out of 33 other counties in income below the poverty line and is ranked 65th in the nation. Contributing factors like high unemployment, and lack of skilled and unskilled job opportunities make for difficult situations for residents.

"I think it's a great model and something we should learn on," said Heinrich on the efforts and services the transition center is providing to the community of Deming.

"Some of our seniors are having to choose between food or necessary medications," said Price. "We want to be able to help everyone. We have a lot of work to do."

Price notes a four phase goal. The center plans to:

• Feed the hungry.

• Provide hot showers and basic hygiene facilities.

• Provide safe day sleeping facilities.

• Provide overnight housing.

SWNMTC board member and two-time Purple Heart recipient Frank Donohue attended the meeting with Heinrich and was honored the senator gave of his time to visit the center and volunteers. "This area has many decorated veterans," said Donohue, "We are here to help those vets coming back. We, as vets, understand. It may be a different war, but it's the same brotherhood."

The staff of the transition center all work completely on a voluntary basis. The center accepts gently used clothing, non-perishable food and cash donations. All donations are tax deductible and the staff will give a receipt. Residents wanting to donate may stop by 320 S. Diamond St.