Beloved Grocery Store Worker Finds Stability and Housing
ALBUQUERQUE - A 68-year-old Albuquerque resident has found hope and stability after experiencing homelessness, thanks to the support of Albuquerque Community Safety.
Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Charles Orr moved to Albuquerque in 1999 and worked for 24 years at Smith’s grocery store where he was known for his kindness. For years, his co-workers were unaware of the struggles he faced outside of work with financial hardships and maintaining stable housing. For seven years, Charles spent time between motels before ending up on the streets for months. Despite his circumstances, he kept his homelessness a secret at work and used his earnings to pay for temporary stays.
In November 2024, after an Albuquerque Police Department officer, who had known Charles from his time at Smith's, offered assistance, Charles took the opportunity to get help. The referral from APD led him to ACS Street Outreach’s Angela Tello. Her immediate support was life changing.
“I usually keep to myself and don’t want help, but I said ‘ok’ when the officer offered it because I knew and trusted him,” said Charles. "Trust is a big thing for me, and Angela helped make the journey easy. I would probably still be out in the streets if not for the support. "
In collaboration with the non-profit Heading Home’s Street Connect program, ACS helped Charles move into a temporary stay before securing him a permanent apartment on Albuquerque’s westside. For the first time in years, Charles had a safe, stable place to call home. Angela helped set Charles up with food delivery services from the City’s Senior Affairs department and help navigating the City’s bus system.
“Making that personal connection with someone in need can be the breakthrough needed to get back into stable housing, and I’m grateful for our first responders who reach out and help our community,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “ACS is helping connect amazing folks like Charles to the resources and support they need to thrive.”
His apartment was furnished with the help of local organizations, allowing him to settle in comfortably. Staff from the Mayor’s office also gifted items for his new home, including clothing, shoes, cleaning supplies, towels, and other household items. Now receiving monthly support through his Social Security Income, Charles is determined to stay on track.
“Our team is committed to more than simply providing a roof over someone’s head; we’re here to support them in rebuilding their lives from the ground up,” said ACS Street Outreach Responder Angela. “It’s about connecting people with essential resources and guiding them through the challenges of everyday life, which can feel overwhelming when you’re starting over.”
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ACS is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.
Through April, ACS is offering its Emergency Overnight Shelter Transportation service from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. If you are or know a member of the unhoused community that requires shelter from the cold, please contact ACS at 505-418-6178 to arrange transportation to a safe, warm location.