New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) is offering support to local residents who were displaced by the nearby Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire.
The university offered to house first responders and evacuees who were forced to leave their homes due to the fire, according to KOB 4. Classes will continue as usual.
Many school events were canceled and resources were used to help the refugees and first responders. Any open or unused dorms were used to house those who were displaced and food from athletic banquets was donated to the evacuees.
The university made certain to provide mental health counseling to students and faculty members, KOB 4 reported.
“It created a lot of anxiety in the middle of finals and wrapping up the school year. However, our students are incredibly resilient and it was a smooth process. Our deans worked closely with the faculty to help transition and give opportunities to them to end the classes online if possible,” Denise Montoya, incident commander for the NMHU Emergency Operations Command Team, told KOB 4.
Approximately 25% of buildings on campus were opened to the evacuees as well as firefighters and first responders from the Red Cross and New Mexico State Police. Most summer classes will be held online. University officials are deciding which buildings will be used to house the students who will arrive for the fall semester, KOB 4 reported.
