Hitting Home is a series that chronicles the impact of COVID-19 on five New Mexico towns: Shiprock, Gallup, Las Vegas, Carlsbad and Anthony. All are steeped in history, struggle, and now, perhaps, a battle for their lives. Over the course of a year, we’ll return to these towns again and again, producing multimedia portraits that capture these unprecedented times. Navajos, Hispanics, roustabouts, ranchers, business owners and immigrants are among the many people we’ll bring to life in stories, photos, videos and audio files, read aloud in Diné, Spanish and English. The project was made possible by the generosity of community residents, who welcomed us into their lives.

Gallup

Seeking shelter

After suffering one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in the country, this New Mexico town on the edge of Navajo Nation is reaching a breaking point as the federal eviction moratorium is set to expire.

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Forlorn on Route 66

In Gallup, hit harder by the coronavirus than any place in the state, small business owners feel lucky to just survive

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