Ramos and Terrazas open Silver City offices, raise $1,100 for The Haven

Sen. Gabriel Ramos and Rep. Luis Terrazas drew an estimated 60 to 70 residents to an open house and ribbon cutting at the back of First American Bank, 1609 N. Swan St. in Silver City, on the evening of Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. The new offices hosted constituents and local partners during the opening and were paired with a community drive to benefit the county warming center, recently renamed The Haven.

Event organizers requested nonperishable food donations and received a combination of food and cash estimated at about $1,100. The lawmakers agreed to match the cash portion, increasing the immediate resources available to The Haven as winter demand for shelter and services continues. The collection underscores the ongoing role of local civic institutions and elected officials in channeling short-term aid to community nonprofits.

Local offices serve two practical functions: they provide a physical location for constituent services such as help with state agencies, casework, and community meetings, and they act as a visible touchpoint for residents who want to engage with lawmakers between legislative sessions. By situating their offices in a central Silver City location, Ramos and Terrazas reduce travel friction for Hidalgo County residents seeking in-person assistance, and create a base for outreach to towns across the region.

The opening also illustrates how elected officials combine constituent service with community partnership. Hosting local partners at the unveiling and tying the event to an immediate material need for The Haven linked ceremonial visibility with direct community benefit. For residents relying on the warming center and related services, the matched donation expands short-term operational capacity and signals local political attention to frontline social needs.

Institutionally, the presence of both a state senator and state representative maintaining local offices may affect patterns of civic engagement and voter contact in Hidalgo County. Regular, in-person access to lawmakers tends to increase responsiveness on individual problems and can boost turnout among residents who feel their concerns are heard. It also raises expectations for follow-through on promises made at such events, creating a yardstick for accountability in the months ahead.

Our two cents? If you need help or want to support The Haven, visit the new offices at the back of First American Bank, 1609 N. Swan St., Silver City, or bring nonperishable items to similar community drives. Local access matters, so use it to raise issues, ask for assistance, and keep elected officials accountable.