Dr. Twana Sparks gave a talk to Silver City Rotary members and guests on July 6 about how her purchase of a downtown building in Silver City has helped people in need of shelter. Sparks wanted to do something to help the homeless people in Grant County.

In 2020, after doing research and working with SPIN (Supporting People In Need), she decided to buy a vacant building at 7th and Gold Streets and make it available to SPIN to be used as a seasonal homeless shelter.

With the help of Christina Wolford, SPIN Executive Director, and her team of social workers, the building was renovated and converted to allow it to accommodate up to 60 people for overnight shelter and now also for more permanent housing.

The SPIN staff help to ensure that people staying at the facility can access supportive services and can apply for government benefits, such as Medicaid, Medicare or SNAP. In addition, Brian Warnack of SPIN works to find or create jobs for some of the residents through his Routine Assisted Maintenance Program (RAMP).

Sparks pointed out that one person is unlikely to help the entire world, but she quoted a Nigerian proverb shared by Rotarian Nkechi Nwachuku which says that "if every man sweeps his house, all the world will be swept."

Sparks told the audience that people who want to contribute to this work can give of their time, talent or treasure. Those wishing to help address this important issue may contact 575-956-6131, or spinhousingnm@gmail.com.