DEMING – Luna County and City of Deming officials are bringing residents, business owners, service organizations and local leaders together later this month for a public discussion about homelessness and its impact on the community.
A public homeless forum will be held Tuesday, September 29, at 6 p.m. at the Mimbres Valley Learning Center, 2300 East Pine Street in Deming. The meeting is open to the public, and everyone interested in the issue is encouraged to attend.
Luna County Manager Chris Brice told Deming News that County Commissioner Colette Chandler and Deming City Councilor Steve Westenhofer will hold the forum as local officials look for ways to address concerns while also hearing from organizations that work directly with people experiencing homelessness.
Representatives from Deming Silver Linings, the local soup kitchen and food pantry, and other mutual aid and community organizations have been invited to participate. Representatives will have an opportunity to discuss the services they provide, answer questions from the public and offer their perspectives on homelessness in Deming and Luna County.
The meeting comes as members of Deming’s business community and other residents have raised concerns with city and county officials about people experiencing homelessness loitering around businesses and other locations.
Brice said homelessness is a concern for both Luna County and City of Deming officials, but local governments must also consider legal issues when determining what actions can be taken.
Luna County Attorney Charles “Chuck” Kretek will attend the forum and will be available to address some of the legal considerations surrounding the issue.
Homelessness and its effect on businesses and the community have been discussed in Deming for several years. Local organizations have worked to provide meals, food, clothing and other assistance to people in need, while businesses and residents have raised concerns about people congregating near entrances, loitering around commercial properties and other issues affecting businesses and their customers.
The forum will provide an opportunity to bring those different perspectives together in one room. Residents and business owners will be able to voice their concerns, while service organizations can discuss the assistance currently available and the challenges they encounter working with the homeless population.
County and city officials will also have an opportunity to hear directly from the community as they consider what can be done locally while remaining within legal requirements.
The public forum begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, at the Mimbres Valley Learning Center, 2300 East Pine Street in Deming. The meeting is open to everyone.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News – John@bravomic.com
