There are two residents who have lived in the houses, built in 1984, since the Community of Hope bought them two years ago. Others have cycled in and out. Many have found more stability and have moved into homes they are renting on their own or with close friends.

Some have returned to homelessness, Angell said. Those who have gone back to the streets are typically chronic alcoholics who have trouble with other residents when they’re intoxicated.

Many of the residents helped to do the work at one of the houses this Sunday. They were insulating, calking and cleaning up with the rest of the volunteers, and they provided refreshments.

“I think this made them more aware of the need to reduce their energy consumption,” Angell said, “and do things that help the whole Earth.”

The residents already recycle, she said. They were especially excited to be installing new energy efficient light bulbs and were concerned about properly disposing of the old ones. One of the residents took them all to be recycled.

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Pictured: Members of Positive Energy Solar install one of two solar panels on the Las Cruces shelter. Image courtesy of Mark Westrbrock.