Help Lupe Salazar Rebuild Her Home and Continue Her Life-Cha

Dear friends, neighbors, and compassionate supporters,

I am reaching out to you today on behalf of Lupe Salazar, a true angel in our New Mexico community whose life has been dedicated to serving others. Lupe’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and tireless advocacy for families struggling with addiction. Now, she urgently needs our help.

A Devastating Loss

Last week, Lupe’s home was bulldozed to the ground and destroyed in a matter of minutes by city authorities, leaving her and her family with nothing but the clothes on their backs. All her possessions—memories, essentials, and the safe space she built for her grandchildren—were destroyed overnight. This tragedy is part of the ongoing gentrification in New Mexico, which is displacing long-time residents and community leaders like Lupe[1].

A Lifelong Advocate for Healing

Lupe is not just a survivor; she is a beacon of hope. As the founder and executive director of Barrios Unidos in Chimayó, Lupe has been at the forefront of the fight against the opioid epidemic in the Española Valley. Her nonprofit provides counseling, education, training, and healing for families devastated by addiction. She has been nationally recognized for her work, including being named one of The New Mexican’s “10 Who Made a Difference”[1].

Her journey began when her own son struggled with addiction. Finding no support, Lupe built the very resources her family and so many others needed. Barrios Unidos now supports dozens of grandparents raising grandchildren due to addiction in the family, hosts weekly support meetings, and provides food and clothing to those in need[1].