While preparing lunch together at the Interfaith Community Shelter at Pete's Place every Wednesday, Ann Alexander was always impressed by Jean Palmer's ability to connect with the guests they served.

Alexander was more reticent, but she said Palmer "always made friends" with the people staying at the homeless shelter.

Since the Interfaith Community Shelter's lease with the city of Santa Fe was terminated over the summer, the group has switched over to cooking weekly meals at Casa Familia, a homeless shelter in Santa Fe serving women and families.

At 81, Palmer is a frequent presence at volunteer and advocacy events focused on the city's homeless residents. It's those efforts that led Alexander to nominate her for The New Mexican’ s 10 Who Made a Difference awards for 2025 — an honor P

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