FMN Veterans Park awarded $375,000

Big news was delivered last week to the Forget Me Not (FME)Veterans Park, a New Mexico non-profit organization providing housing and comprehensive support for homeless veterans.

The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) awarded them a grant for $375,000. The funding will significantly boost the Park’s capacity to deliver essential services and expand its facilities, according to Daun Medaris, Executive Director of Forget Me Not Veteran’s Park.

The awarded grant will facilitate crucial upgrades and expansions, including an enhancement of the Park’s electrical infrastructure, securing on-site water necessary for fire safety, and the installation of five additional tiny homes. These developments will not only improve the quality of life for resident veterans but also contribute to the overall safety and security of the park and the surrounding community.

With these funds, Forget Me Not Veterans Park will be able to secure the water needed for emergency responses, which could lead to reduced insurance costs for both the Park and its neighbors. This measure is vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and for fostering a more resilient community.

The addition of five tiny homes will provide desperately needed housing solutions for veterans who have served our country. Each home is specifically designed to be small and energy-efficient, tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of veterans. This expansion will enable the organization to offer more veterans the safe, stable, and dignified housing they deserve.

Beyond housing, Forget Me Not Veteran’s Park remains committed to offering a comprehensive range of support services. These services include counseling, job training, and community support, aimed at helping veterans reintegrate into society and regain self-sufficiency and dignity. The Park’s holistic approach ensures that veterans not only have a roof over their heads but also the resources they need to thrive independently.

“We are deeply grateful to the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority for this substantial award,” said Medaris. “These funds will enable us to make critical infrastructure improvements, ensure safety standards, and expand our housing capacity. This support is a tremendous step forward in our mission to provide veterans with the housing and resources they need to rebuild their lives.”

Forget Me Not Veteran’s Park’s work is made possible through partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations. Medaris offered a special thank you to Rebecca Dow and Denia Saucedo for volunteering their time to write and submit the application to MFA. He said community partners play a crucial role in providing a comprehensive support system for veterans in need. If you are interested in assisting with effort to improve the health and safety of New Mexico Veterans, reach out to Daun Medaris at (575) 693-7294 or medarisdaun@yahoo.com

Located between Socorro and Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Forget Me Not Veteran’s Park operates as a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. It is devoted to addressing the urgent need for affordable and dignified housing for veterans who have served their country. By constructing small, energy-efficient homes and offering extensive support services, the Park empowers veterans to live independently and with dignity.