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Shelter guests and advocates urge Taos County to fund extended hours as freeze looms
Summary
Residents and advocacy groups urged Taos County commissioners to use emergency resources or community partnerships to keep the Dream Tree Project's Nest shelter open later during an expected cold snap, citing early-morning expulsions and health risks.
Dozens of shelter residents and community advocates told the Taos County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 6 that current Nest shelter hours—where residents are asked to leave by 5:30 a.m.—leave people exposed to dangerous cold and that immediate steps are needed to prevent harm.
"We're asking for state of emergency funds," said Jason Terrell, a guest at the Nest, who described waking at 4:30 a.m. and being required to leave by 5:30. Catherine Humble, executive director of Dream Tree Project, thanked county staff for past help but warned "declaring a state of emergency does not create new resources for Taos County to address shelter and housing needs," and asked for coordination with the town and nonprofit partners to keep people safe during the weekend cold.
Multiple residents described curtailed hours and staff shortages as drivers of health risks. "We only literally have between the hours of 10:00 and 4, 04:30 to sleep now," said Amanda Diaz, a resident at the Nest, urging the county and other partners to find immediate staffing or venue solutions so people can rest and complete necessary paperwork.
County Manager Jaramillo said staff had received Dream Tree's request and that county staff, including the emergency manager, would evaluate ways the county could help. County Attorney Trujillo cautioned the commission about legal limits on direct donations and aid, saying "that declaration of emergency is really under the purview of the governor," and that the county would need to explore allowable mechanisms. Commissioners and staff discussed possible near-term steps including voluntary staff assignments and outreach to partner organizations, and asked staff to report back with options.
Why it matters: Speakers described acute public-safety and public-health concerns tied to Taos's forecast cold weather and limited shelter hours. The county did not announce a direct emergency cash disbursement; staff said they were researching legal options and local partner responses. Community members pressed elected officials for specific steps during the coming days.
