Lexie to the Rescue: Local Nonprofit Helps Families in Need

By Michael Bromka

Lexie Alvarez, Eddy County United Way 211 Coordinator, has served for two years as a safety net goddess for local folks in financial crisis. Carlsbad Heights Lions took delight in her recent succinct remarks on how United Way 211 works.

“All of our funding comes from local donations. Very nearly all goes back to local folks in need. We pass just 2% to the worldwide program,” she said.

“211 is a national hotline, but it works locally. In Eddy County, I field calls for help with water, electric, and gas bills. No child should come home to a house lacking electricity, water, food, or warmth in winter. We can help with a utility bill once per year. If a household is severely pinched, we might help with their water bill one month and the electric bill the next,” Lexie told the group.

“ID for all of those in the home (license from adults, birth certificates for children) plus proof of gross income before taxes and the most recent bill are required.”

Patricia Jácquez of Hope Center is the local expert for tracking birth certificates, but Lexie is adept at downloading utility bills off a cell phone, in case those needing help have lost their copy.

“The nearest Red Cross is in Roswell. But if there’s a fire, we can help situate a family in a motel for a night or two,” she added.

Eddy County United Way also does three food distributions monthly, one each in Carlsbad, Artesia, and Loving. Diana Carrasco of Abundant Harvest Food Pantry helps out with United Way’s distributions as well.

The United Way’s 211 program fielded more than 700 calls in 2024. As of early September, over 500 calls have come this year. They’re on track to surpass last year’s bumper workload.

“People phoning are in distress. They need assurance that this, too, will pass. We care, and we can help stabilize their situation. If we can provide only $500 against your $1,200 bill, there’s the Faith, Hope, and Love Foundation to turn to as well. Head Start also,” Lexie said.

“People seeking help often are shy and embarrassed. They’re not happy to admit troubles. We help address both financial and emotional needs. Money trouble might get addressed that same day, sometimes that same hour. But always there’s a boost from talking it over. They leave feeling better.”

Carlsbad Heights Lion Rhonda Jones also works for United Way. Herself a legendary troubleshooter, Rhonda attests to Lexie’s skill and commitment.

“Lexie is amazing on the phone. I can be gone for weeks, and nobody cares. But if Lexie is gone for a couple of days, we go insane. She does a phenomenal job. I can’t express how she is, so empathetic, so kind to people on the phone. She’s great.”

Heights Lions allocated $1,500 to United Way 211 and Lexie’s crisis management magic—money well spent on a utility bill angel.