A Better Way Forward: Empowerment through Employment

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Today, Mayor Keller called for a renewed commitment to the integration of public employment opportunities into the City’s efforts to address homelessness. The City introduced its plans for “A Better Way Forward.” The program will offer jobs to individuals staying at the Gateway Center and Gateway West (former Westside Emergency Housing Center) cleaning streets and sidewalks in Albuquerque, transportation to and from job sites, and connection to other services like financial literacy, banking, and case management.

The program will build off the successes and lessons learned from the “There’s A Better Way” program that debuted in 2015. That program was a day labor program engaging residents experiencing homelessness on a case-by-case basis. In contrast, the “A Better Way Forward” will provide longer-term opportunities combined with the support and resources to facilitate more comprehensive assistance for participants.

“There’s no one answer to the complex issue of homelessness, but this program offers folks willing to work a real path to gain stability and to beautify our city,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “If you don’t have a permanent home, there are so many obstacles to getting a job, and we want to make it easier for those in our shelters to have the dignity of work.”

"The satisfaction that comes from impactful work is something we all need," said District 9 City Councilor Reneé Grout, sponsor of the Day Labor Resolution that passed in June. "I'm very pleased that our Health, Housing, and Homelessness Department has developed a plan to provide opportunities for our most vulnerable citizens to make a difference in the community and earn some money for their labor. I'm looking forward to seeing the plan and working with the City Council to fund the program."

The City is committed to innovative solutions to combat homelessness. Empowering individuals staying in shelters through employment is a proven way to create pathways toward financial and ultimately housing stability.

“A comprehensive support system is critical to improving someone’s chance of achieving long-term stability and employment opportunities are a key part of that system,” said HHH Director Gilbert Ramirez. “The ‘Better Way Forward’ program provides those experiencing housing instability a chance to create structure while giving back to their community with dignity.”

Mayor Keller will to bring the proposal to City Council later this month.