Unhoused Residents Finding a Better Way Forward

More resources are now available for residents experiencing housing insecurity through the Gateway Network. A Better Way Forward has launched and is connecting people staying at the Gateway to employment with the Duke City Ambassadors, a company that works to clean and beautify urban areas. Multiple individuals have been hired and are working through a Better Way Forward. In addition to employment, the program supports participants with services like financial literacy, banking, and case management. 

“I used this opportunity to achieve my goal to leave the shelter, saving and working, with pride of the job that I was doing for citizens of Albuquerque,” said Duke City Ambassador Brad Adair. “Day one, it felt like home, the program was very supportive, encouraging, and always holding us.” 

The Better Way Forward program is actively hiring folks staying in the Gateway Network. Participants work with the Duke City Ambassadors team five days each week. Hours are flexible to allow participants to access services and resources they need as they continue their journey to permanent housing.  

“Our Gateway Network continues to develop pathways to stability for residents experiencing homelessness, and having the support to get a stable job can be a game changer,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We’re constantly adding avenues to reach folks where they’re at with the resources they need to take control of their future.” 

The Duke City Ambassadors work with the City’s Solid Waste Management Department to clean and beautify the Downtown area and other high-traffic areas across Albuquerque. They also act as liaisons for residents, visitors, and business owners to connect with the city. Ambassadors conduct daily outreach with residents experiencing homelessness, sharing their own stories, building relationships, and encouraging them to take advantage of available resources through the Gateway Network. 

“Stability, predictability, and a salary actually helps with housing retention—and that’s our goal,” said Health, Housing, and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez. “Employment enhances dignity. If you have a job and you know that you’ve obtained that, you now have goals you can set for yourself because you know that you have income coming in to help achieve those goals which improves your mental health and helps improve your self image and confidence.” 

Current and past participants cite the program as critical to their success, allowing them the flexibility and the support necessary to chart their path to housing stability. One employee interviewed about the program described how the support system offered by the coalition of departments involved empowered them to gain financial stability and begin to pursue their dreams. 

“I’ve seen firsthand how this program changes lives. Having a job provides more than just a paycheck—it builds confidence, teaches responsibility, and helps these individuals set both short- and long-term goals,” said Duke City Ambassadors Program Manager Deiandra Cole. “This program is about stability, dignity, and the opportunity to move forward.” 

See the full press conference. 

See attachments for testimonials from workers enrolled in the Better Way Forward program.