Resource Fair Provides a Gateway for Opportunity
ALBUQUERQUE —Today, Goodwill, in partnership with the City of Albuquerque, hosted the second resource fair for residents at Gateway West, our city’s largest shelter, which serves up to 660 people every night. The event was attended by more than 300 residents, more than double our first resource fair.
More than 30 service providers participated in the resource fair, offering medical screenings, job opportunities, employment training, housing support, benefits enrollment, and more.
The New Mexico Department of Health, in collaboration with Presbyterian Health Care, administered vaccines to 24 people. Presbyterian also connected 82 people to Medicare and Medicaid services.
Sagebrush Church handed out clothing to 253 people, while the Salvation Army assisted 60 people.
Roadrunner food bank connected 62 people to SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare benefits. 105 people signed up for employment opportunities. CNM connected 63 people to educational opportunities, including GED classes. Bank on Burque connected 42 people to financial education resources.
340 people signed up to receive additional services, including mental health services and case management.
“Each person experiencing homelessness has their own unique story and challenges, and we will continue to provide opportunities to help people take the next step to rebuild their lives,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Offering access to wrap-around services and resources at events like these is a crucial component in our City’s efforts to address homelessness.”
“The Resource Fair at Gateway West reduces barriers around access to vital resources,” said Health, Housing, and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez. “We strive to meet our clients where they are and promote Increased access to support. Collaborations like this in partnership with our providers ensures more people have access to the resources they desperately need.”
“We did our first job and resource Fair in May, and it went so well, we’re now doing this quarterly,” said Homeless Innovations Officer Maria Wolfe. “We are delighted with the outpour of support from community providers and organizations seeking employees. We can’t wait to see how these new connections help those who need it most. I want to recognize Goodwill for being a great partner and making this happen.”
“As a local non-profit, Goodwill Industries of New Mexico is proud to meet every community member who needs a hand up with job skills training, and employment opportunities,” said CEO of Goodwill Industries of New Mexico, Shauna Kastle. “We appreciate the collaboration with the City of Albuquerque in our shared goal of helping people through the dignity of work.
Goodwill will continue hosting resource fairs quarterly
Below is a list of community partners that were at Gateway West today:
- Tutor Doctor
- Road Runner Food Bank
- Presbyterian-Medicaid Program
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving
- Kelly Services NM
- Workforce Connection Help NM
- Sandia Resort & Casino
- Pres-Medicare
- Department of Workforce Solutions
- Yellowstone Landscape
- United Way 211
- Maleko Personnel
- Rape Crisis Center of NM
- Salvation Army
- Seedcrest NM
- Veteran's Integration Center
- Phoenix Truck Driving School
- Women in Leadership
- Centro Savila
- Cuidando Los Ninos
- Pres-Vaccine Clinic
- Health Equity Council
- Healing Addictions in our Community
- Serenity Mesa
- Ideal Option
- Sagebrush Mobile Clothing Unit
- Open Skies Healthcare
- Supply One
- A Peaceful Habitation
- Catholic Charities
- Grief Center of NM
- NM Outreach Court
- Goodwill NM