Community Groups Invited to Learn About City's Housing and Support Services Progress

Following a successful series of community meetings last month, community groups, civic organizations, local committees, and neighborhood associations across Albuquerque can now request personalized briefings on the city's comprehensive housing and support services initiatives. These briefings will cover the same updates that Mayor Tim Keller and city leaders recently shared during the "Constructive Conversations" series.

Community members who attended these initial meetings had the opportunity to speak directly with city staff, share their ideas, and learn about expanded housing options and support systems. For those unable to attend, the presentation video, slides, and a detailed summary report are available on the city's website.

Organizations interested in scheduling an in-person update can send a request to [email protected].

“We can do better than leaving people on the street,” said Mayor Tim Keller.  “For the first time in our city’s history, we are building out comprehensive substance abuse, mental health, and homelessness services that we’ve never had before. We have places folks can go, ways for them to get there, and help ready when they arrive – 24/7.”

Information provided during briefings include, but is not limited to:

Albuquerque Community Safety

The City's 24/7 Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) Department now provides citywide coverage for mental and behavioral health calls, offering mobile crisis response, street outreach, and transportation services. Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) offers an after-hours transportation service from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Call (505) 418-6178 and ACS will provide free transport to a warm bed, shelter and services.

The Gateway Network

The Gateway system has expanded its capacity significantly, now serving over 900 people daily. The system includes multiple facilities: the main Gateway Center at the former Lovelace Hospital, which recently opened a 24/7 detox facility and medical respite, has an overnight drop-off for first responders to take unhoused individuals, shelter and recovery services; Gateway West, housing 600 individuals; Family Gateway with shelter and services for families; and upcoming facilities including Gateway for young adults on San Mateo and a Recovery Gateway micro community.

Housing

Addressing Albuquerque's critical housing shortage, estimated at 20,000 units, the City has supported 36 new housing projects creating nearly 2,500 units, half designated as affordable housing. The City has invested almost $100 million in housing initiatives. Projects include hotel conversions and policy changes to encourage casitas, townhomes, and duplexes.

Services

The City currently invests $57 million annually in homeless services through partnerships with local nonprofits and organizations, who serve approximately 40,000 people through various programs including housing vouchers, eviction protection, and employment initiatives.