Winter is Coming… and City is Ready to Help

ALBUQUERQUE — With temperatures starting to drop, the City of Albuquerque is prepared to help people stay safe this winter. Today, Mayor Tim Keller and City leaders shared updated plans for cold weather, from getting folks into shelter to keeping major roads clear. As part of the Metro Homelessness Initiative (MHI), the City created a new Shelter Connect Dashboard to help connect people experiencing homelessness to shelter. 

Cold weather puts unsheltered individuals at risk of cold-related injuries. To help get people inside, Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) will again operate its emergency, after-hours transportation service. Between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m., the public can call (505) 418-6178 to request transportation. ACS will give people a ride to the First Responder Receiving Area at the Gateway Center to have a warm bed for the night. Folks will then get connected to longer-term shelter and services.

The new Shelter Connect Dashboard will show first responders where shelter beds are available throughout the city. The City is able to add winter sheltering capacity at Gateway West and the First Responder Receiving Area if additional beds are needed. The City will provide a warm bed to anyone experiencing homelessness.

“We just had our first freeze in Albuquerque, and we’re ready to get anyone that accepts help inside to a safe, warm bed,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Cold weather can quickly become a life-threatening for unsheltered folks, which is why we work together at the city and with our partners to connect people the services need.”

“We are committed to minimizing health risks and providing critical sheltering resources to our community’s most vulnerable during extreme cold,” said Health, Housing, and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez. “Through our plan and protocols, we are prepared to provide an appropriate response that meets the needs of our unsheltered community.” 

“ACS is committed to ensuring that no one is left out in the cold. Our team is on the ground, ready to transport those in need to a safe place, no matter the hour. This is a critical part of our mission to provide compassionate, community-centered care during the harshest conditions,” said Albuquerque Community Safety Director Jodie Esquibel.

Throughout the winter months, there is an increase in dangerous outdoor fires. To mitigate the risk to life and property, AFR’s Outside Fire Response Truck will begin operations this month, earlier than past years. When Firefighters extinguish campfires, people will be offered connection to shelter through ACS. For anyone who wishes to remain outdoors, this year, the Outside Fire Response Team will be equipped with blankets and coats to distribute to individuals. AFR encourages anyone who sees fire activity to call 911.

“Outside temperatures are dropping, and AFR crews are already starting to see an increase in the number of outside fires,” said Deputy Chief Jimmy Melek. “Preparations are already underway to get our outside fire response truck in service. It is expected to be in service in the next few weeks. Last year the truck responded to over 1700 outside fire calls from late December through mid-April.”

Preparing for winter also means prepping to keep major thoroughfares clear. During a winter storm, the Department of Municipal Development can activate up to 74 personnel and 40 trucks to plow and salt roads. DMD has four salt domes, each serving a different quadrant of the city.

This is also an important time to remind pet owners to keep their furry family in mind throughout the cold winter months. Bring your pets inside as temperatures dip below freezing and know the signs of hypothermia in pets.

Signs of Hypothermia

• Uncontrollable shivering
• Decreased heartbeat and weak pulse
• Stiff muscles
• Lack of coordination
• Pale or blue gums

If your companion animal shows any of these signs, seek immediate veterinary attention.

“Animal Welfare Department would like to remind pet owners the best place for any companion animal when it’s cold is inside your home,” said Carolyn Ortega, Director of Animal Welfare Department.  “Animals should be moved inside, especially in freezing temperatures.”

The City’s Animal Welfare Department is partnering with the Bernalillo County Animal Care Services to offer straw bedding while supplies last. Call one of the numbers below to reserve bedding.  

• Bernalillo County Animal Care Services, (505) 314-0280
• Albuquerque Animal Welfare, 311 (768-2000)