About

A leader in the nonprofit world

Desert Solutions can help you advance your design and programming for your outdoor space serving people experiencing homelessness with first-hand knowledge. Desert Solutions is well versed in topics such as NIMBY, zoning, camping best practices, housing subsidies, and evidence-based treatments.

Nicole Martinez has over 17 years experience in the operations of a homeless shelter, including the last 9 years of overseeing Camp Hope.

Nicole is currently on the board of the NM Coalition to End Homelessness (past co-chair 2011-2020); current NM Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee member (appointed by the Governor of NM) 2020-2022; elected to the Low Income Housing Tax Credits Allocation Committee (NM Mortgage Finance Authority) 2021; Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Member.

SERVICES: Desert Solutions has experience and knowledge in helping you transform your outdoor space into a safe sheltering place. Desert Solutions can also offer extensive knowledge and trainings on evidence-based practices such as:

  • Housing First Philosophy
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Harm Reduction
  • De-escalation and Safety
  • HUD Continuum of Care & ESG principles and implementation
  • Grant writing
  • Nonprofit operations
  • Supportive Services & outreach
  • Day Labor programming
  • Housing Subsidies
  • Permanent Supportive Housing & Rapid Re-housing
  • Tenancy Support
  • Landlord Engagement and Retention
  • AWARDS:
  • Most Inspiring Idea of the Year 2012: Camp Hope from the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness
  • Movers and Shakers of Las Cruces: Nicole Martinez, 2013; Las Cruces Sun-News 
  • LULAC Hispanic Women Leadership Award;  March 28, 2015
  • Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest, Woman of Distinction Sept 2015
  • Outstanding Community Partner of the Year 2016, NM MFA
  • Community Organization Public Health Hero Award from NMSU 2017
  • Nonprofit Leader of the Year, NM Coalition to End Homelessness, 2019
  • PFLAG for LGBTQ Leadership in the Las Cruces Community, 2020