New Operator for Gateway West
ALBUQUERQUE – Albuquerque City Council has approved Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) to operate Gateway West, the city’s largest shelter, which can serve up to 660 people per night. CPLC will take over for Heading Home, which has operated Gateway West since 2018. Heading Home’s contract will expire at the end of the year. Beginning immediately, the City of Albuquerque, CPLC, and Heading Home will work together to ensure a smooth transition.
CPLC was formed in 1969 by a coalition of community members who fought racial discrimination. Over the years, CPLC expanded its scope by providing access to health and human services, housing, education, economic development, and advocacy. CPLC has offices in six southwestern states. Their New Mexico office is in Albuquerque.
CPLC has extensive experience managing similar shelters in other states, including operating the Domestic Violence Shelter and Homeless Family Shelter in Phoenix. CPLC also operated an emergency influx site for unaccompanied minors in Hidalgo County, Texas, where they provided medical and educational services and reunited more than 1,400 children with their families.
Councilors also approved another contract for CPLC to provide case management services for residents up to 59 years old.A separate contract with Sierra Health Care Inc. would offer case management for seniors aged 60 and older. This contract is pending Council approval.
“We’re working together with providers to meet people where they’re at and break cycles of homelessness by connecting folks to case management, housing, and resources,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We continue to improve the facility and services at Gateway West to help folks on their path to stability, and these contracts are another step in the right direction.”
“I would like to first thank City Council for the approval of these contracts. I would also like to thank Heading Home for being a committed partner and for their willingness to continue operating Gateway West through this transition,” said Health, Housing, and Homeless Director Gilbert Ramirez. “Through the expertise of CPLC combined with ongoing renovations at Gateway West, we are certain we will continue providing more pathways out of homelessness.”
With the help of volunteers, six dorms at Gateway West have been renovated. They now have new beds and secure under-bed storage, new flooring, and renovated bathrooms.
Sign up to volunteer at: cabq.gov/VolunteerGatewayWest