Residents and service providers urge Taos County to extend shelter hours as cold weather approaches; county staff cite legal limits
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Summary
Residents of Nest and advocates with Dream Tree Project told the Taos County Commission that current shelter hours — which require leaving by about 5:30 a.m. — put people at risk during an incoming cold snap. County staff said statutory limits on direct payments constrain immediate cash assistance but will research options and consider staff support.
Catherine Hammel, executive director of the Dream Tree Project, told the Taos County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 6 that Nest residents face dangerous conditions when required to leave the shelter in the early morning hours during winter weather. "I'm here to just express how much Dream Tree Project deeply appreciates all of the support... I recognize that declaring a state of emergency does not create new resources for Taos County to address shelter and housing needs," Hammel said.
Multiple people staying at Nest described the operational impact of the shelter's current schedule. "We're asking for state of emergency funds," said Jason Terrell, a guest at Nest, describing being required to leave at about 5:30 a.m. and pleading for staffing that would allow the shelter to remain open later into the morning. Resident Amanda Diaz said shortened hours have harmed sleep and physical and mental health and that staffing shortages prevent maintaining two shifts.
Speakers from faith groups and local volunteers — including members of Taos United Community Church — urged the commission to act quickly to prevent hypothermia and other risks. The public comments emphasized practical needs: more staffing, 24/7 bathroom access, laundry, secure storage for personal belongings and separate sleeping quarters.
County Manager Jaramillo acknowledged receipt of a formal request from Dream Tree and said staff would evaluate how the county could help. County counsel Patrick Trujillo warned about the state law "anti-donation" limitation on local governments making direct monetary gifts, saying a gubernatorial emergency declaration may be the statutory mechanism to unlock some exceptions. "That declaration of emergency is really under the purview of the governor," Trujillo said, noting the commission could request such a declaration but that doing so would require proper notice and a discrete action.
As immediate options, Jaramillo and staff discussed short-term noncash responses: expediting RFPs, coordinating with nonprofits and the town, and paying county employees for time worked at the shelter as an interim staffing measure. Jaramillo said he would ask staff to explore options and report back to the commission.
The commission did not vote on a formal funding appropriation at the meeting. The county manager said staff would follow up with the commission by email after researching statutory options and comparing practices with other local governments.
