That is a picture of me on my 40th birthday in June.  I was fortunate enough to spend the entire weekend in Las Vegas, NV with my mother and sister sightseeing, going to shows, and celebrating.  It was an awesome weekend!

There are many people in Albuquerque who aren't that lucky.  They don't get to travel, they don't have birthday parties, and some never make it to their 40th birthday.  It is estimated that close to 17,000 people in New Mexico experience homelessness over the course of a year. In Bernalillo County alone, over 1,000 men seek shelter every night.  Albuquerque Opportunity Center, a program of the Metropolitan Homelessness Project provides 74 year-round emergency night shelter beds that are available for homeless men. In 4 years of operations, AOC has provided almost 40,000 nights of shelter to 1300 men, 30% of whom exit into safe, affordable housing.  Additionally, the organization operates a transitional housing program for veterans, provides respite care, and offers free voice mail service for anyone in need throughout the city.

For the past few years, my church (Shepherd of the Valley) supported Metropolitan Homelessness Project financially.  This year we plan to further our involvement with this valuable mission by hosting our very own Sleep Out.  I plan to sleep outside October 17 to raise funds for MHP and promote awareness of homelessness.  And Gerry and the kids are joining me.  I can't think of a better way to teach and show my children that they are blessed with so many things, yet there are those who are in great need.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

To find out more about the Metropolitan Homeless Project, visit their website at http://www.mhp-nm.org/.

-Lara