Los Alamos Reporter

Scenes From Consuelo’s Place Open House And Celebration Of Obtaining Nonprofit Status

Consuelo’s Place staff serve up hamburgers, hot dogs, beans, chips, watermelon and even ice cream to everyone at their July 1 celebration barbecue. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Michele Williams, Executive Director of Consuelo’s Place, left, greets guests near the front entrance. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Cups of ice cream were a big hit during the Consuelo’s Place barbeque and open house. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

Consuelo’s Place Homeless Shelter recently announced that it had been granted 501(c)3 nonprofit designation from the Internal Revenue Service, and effective July 1, 2026, isit began operating as an independent nonprofit organization.

What this means is that Consuelo’s Place now has the ability to operate autonomously and apply for a broader range of grants, strengthen community partnerships, and accept tax-deductible donations directly in support of its work.

At the bottom of this post, there is information about how to jump in and help Consuelo’s place going forward – either through a monetary donation or by making a purchase on their Amazon Wishlist. There is also a list of items that are constantly needed that can be dropped off anytime, and there are directions on how to make drop-offs.

Consuelo’s place has been fortunate to receive an abundance of donations of women’s clothes and footwear but is always in need of men’s clothing and footwear.

Guests at the open house stop for a chat during one of the tours offered by staff. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Consuelo’s Place case manager Glenn Weber explains how the system works for folks at the shelter as he gives a tour during the July 1 open house. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Clothing donations neatly sorted and hung . Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Folks enjoy their picnic in the shade. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Scene from Consuelo’s Place open house. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

An area of the shelter that has recently been set up as a meeting room allowing residents to meet with outside agencies. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Tony Verna of Los Alamos and Marisol Atkins, owner of Luz Del Sol in Santa Fe were among the guests at the Consuelo’s Place open house. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

The foyer at Consuelo’s Place was cheerfully decorated for the July 1 open house. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Donated Items can be dropped off anytime at: 1600 St. Michael’s Dr, Building 7, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Feel free to call for directions or questions: 505-372-8206

How you can help ~

  • Toilet Paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Hygiene items (shampoo, toothpaste, laundry detergent)
  • Household cleaning supplies (we use Pine Sol and natural type products because of some client allergies and sensitivities)
  • Laundry soap and dryer sheets
  • Men’s & women’s deodorant
  • Q-tips
  • Sanitizing wipes
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Adult diapers
  • Paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils
  • Baby formula
  • Indoor TV antennas

The Consuelo’s Place Amazon Wish List is at: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1STD3BVQGAEK7/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

To learn more or contribute to the mission, visit ConsuelosPlace.org.

Editor’s note: Read more at https://losalamosreporter.com/2026/06/19/consuelos-place-emergency-homeless-shelter-in-santa-fe-is-a-success-story/