Colonias Development Council (CDC) - Las Cruces, NM

Diana Bustamante, Rubén Núñez and Mary Ann Benavidez have developed a multi-pronged effort to improve the lives of people living in southern New Mexico through community organizing. In a region along the U.S./Mexico border that lacks potable water, a centralized sewer system, decent housing and good roads, CDC has established programs in community and economic development, youth organizing, environmental justice, civil rights and immigration. The organization works with both private and public sector organizations to bring infrastructure and housing projects into communities. It has supported efforts to negotiate the installation of natural gas in several communities, co-sponsored environmental workshops and cleanups, and has supported a child care/economic development initiative to create community-owned childcare centers.

Diana Bustamante
Executive Director
Colonias Development Council
1050 Monte Vista
Las Cruces, NM 88001
505-647-2744
dbustamante@zianet.com

Rubén Nuñez
Lead Organizer
Colonias Development Council
1050 Monte Vista
Las Cruces, NM 88001
505-647-2744
cdcnunez@yahoo.com

Mary Benavidez
Community Organizer
Colonias Development Council
1050 Monte Vista
Las Cruces, NM 88001
505-647-2744
MissB30@juno.com
http://www.colonias.org/