Volunteer Chair of Ruidoso Service Extension Unit Dives in Feet First to Help Assist His Community During Wildfires

Ruidoso, N. M. – Salvation Army volunteer Steve Gomez has recently been in the center of the Southwest Division’s response to a federally-declared disaster.

On June 17, the Southfork and Salt Fires converged on the small mountain resort town of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Before both fires could be contained, extreme flash flooding over burn scars flowed into town, causing more destruction in an already-devastated area. Gomez, a 15-year Salvation Army bellringer and now volunteer chair of The Salvation Army Ruidoso Service Extension Unit, sprang into action.

“I am humbled to be both a survivor and first responder in Ruidoso. I know the heartbreak my friends and neighbors are feeling over the loss of homes, jobs and livelihoods,” Gomez said. “I am grateful to be a member of The Salvation Army’s disaster response efforts to restore and rebuild lives.”

Gomez has been serving survivors and first responders out of his personal business and Ruidoso Service Extension Unit, the Cornerstone Bakery & Café in mid-town Ruidoso, which also faced setbacks, as employees were affected by the fires and floods. Gomez hand-delivered gas cards as far away as Santa Fe to survivors who had just moments to evacuate.

“Our community fled in the middle of the night and found themselves scattered across New Mexico with very little. These gas cards ensured their safe return to Ruidoso, but many found they no longer had a home,“ he said.

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) was activated by the State of New Mexico for donations management in Lincoln & Otero Counties during the wildfire response. From June 18 through July 15, through the generosity of numerous caring donors and community partners, EDS served nearly 2,500 people with almost 13,000 meals; over 140,000 snacks; around 12,000 cases of water; more than 5,600 other beverages (coffee, juice, soda); and gift cards, household goods, lodging, additional goods and services, and emotional and spiritual support. The value of the goods and services was estimated to be more than $930,000.

“We are grateful for Steve’s deep ties to the community, which has allowed The Salvation Army to have a greater impact on families in need. Steve exemplifies what it means to have a servant’s heart, and we are fortunate to have him on our team,” said Major Charles Fowler, Southwest Divisional Commander. “Long after the last responders leave town, The Salvation Army Ruidoso Service Extension Unit will be here to provide comfort and care to the community.”

Anyone who would like to learn about volunteering to help with the relief effort and serving in their community at any time can contact Steve Gomez, Volunteer Chair of The Salvation Army Ruidoso Service Extension Unit, at 575-808-7334. You can also call The Salvation Army Roswell Corps Community Center at 575-622-8700.

The Salvation Army’s Service Extension program is a network of volunteer committees located in small communities throughout the Western Territory. These local volunteers represent The Salvation Army and provide emergency assistance to those in need year-round with things like emergency food, rent and utilities assistance, and more. When called upon during a catastrophic incident, this network of local volunteers ramps up to provide emergency assistance for its own community and neighbors.   

“Service Extension is such a unique part of The Salvation Army matrix of services. These volunteers take on the special role of stewardship in providing resources right in their own community and provide care and support for their neighbors. During times of disaster, it’s even more significant, as these volunteers are also experiencing the devastating impact of fires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes in their own lives,” said Western Territorial Emergency Disaster Services Director John Berglund.

In 2023, 31 Service Extension Units in the Southwest Division – made up of over 560 volunteers – served nearly 3,800 people.

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