ALTA Foundation Donates Emergency Grant Following New Mexico Fires, Flooding

August 8, 2024

The ALTA Good Deeds Foundation (AGDF) awarded a $5,000 emergency grant to the Community Foundation of Lincoln County in New Mexico. The foundation established a shelter fund to assist members of the community who recently experienced the loss of their homes due to local fires or flooding.

The South Fork and Salt wildfires near Ruidoso, N.M., and the Mescalero Apache Reserve claimed two lives and destroyed nearly 1,400 homes and structures. Between the two fires, more than 25,000 acres were burned in June 2024. Changes in the landscape caused by the fires contributed to dangerous flash flooding conditions and, when monsoon rains hit the area, the situation became emergent. The area has been subjected to 19 flash flood emergencies, including multiple evacuation orders and National Guard responses, during June and July 2024.

The AGDF Board awarded the emergency grant to aid residents whose homes were uninhabitable following the Lincoln County devastation.

“ALTA and its members are heavy-hearted for our loved ones and communities impacted by the tragedies in New Mexico,” said ALTA CEO Diane Tomb. “We know there are many other national devastating weather-related disasters, but we hope this emergency grant from the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation will help fund shelter needs for those who have lost the basic necessity of a place to call home.”

AGDF Board Chair Mary O’Donnell, president and CEO of Westcor Land Title Insurance Co. in Maitland, Fla., added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with New Mexicans, especially those who lost a loved one or no longer have a home or business. With ALTA members’ support of the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation, we are able to provide this emergency grant.”

Since October 2020, the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation has awarded $987,000 in grants to 170 community nonprofits in 45 states and the District of Columbia.


Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].