Land of Enchantment…and Family Homelessness

Observations from my 3 Months in New Mexico

Sunset visitors at Castle Rock, NM — Photo Diane Nilan

I’ve spent the past three months in New Mexico filming family and youth homelessness for the NM Public Education Department’s McKinney-Vento program. With the Land of Enchantment in my rearview mirror, I’m carrying some heavy thoughts that I need to share.

Covid

Family homelessness got further bumped aside as Covid unleashed its relentless force. Hard to imagine, despite easing of new cases and deaths — welcome news — families without a place to call home are being further upended and devastated, and little attention is given. Job loss, evictions and a host of other woes have ravaged vulnerable families (and others). Don’t believe the bogus reports of diminished family homelessness.

Short-Lived Pandemic Response

To reduce the unceasing spread of infection, several communities turned local motels and hotels into shelters. Families and individuals were plunked into vacant rooms. Good for those getting a roof over their heads and for the hospitality industry. For the most part, local governments picked up the…