Support

“In the end, it doesn’t matter, all these other things that divide us. What matters is that we’re there for each other when the crisis comes.”
— Liddie Martinez

Who have you reached out to for support during a tough time?

New Mexicans supported each other during the evacuation, caring for people and animals in need. More than 700 evacuated animals, from guinea pigs to horses, were welcomed by the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, which expanded temporarily into the rodeo grounds. Guided by local ham radio operators, several organizations came into the empty town to save pets left behind in the evacuation, helping more than 500 animals. Local animal rescue group Kritter Gitters cared for animals that the shelters were unprepared for: chickens, ducks, skunks, snakes, and more.

Evacuated families poured into emergency shelters across the Española Valley. Evacuees were also welcomed into the houses of Valley residents, who compassionately opened their homes to strangers, offering spare bedrooms, boarding for pets, and stables for horses. Shop clerks and hotel staff, when hearing customers were evacuees, offered discounts and sometimes refused payment entirely. Los Alamos residents were welcomed, warmly and generously, into a larger community some had not experienced before.

A temporary Post Office was set up at the Pojoaque Valley High School gym. Photo by Ursula Heath. Los Alamos Historical Society Photo Archives.

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