Homelessness and housing

Many people believe that ABQ should have increased resources for people experiencing homelessness, but they do not want these shelters to be located in their own backyard. We should build a series of small site shelters for specific communities that are less disruptive to neighborhoods and account for the fact that some people experiencing homelessness are not comfortable staying in a shelter with hundreds of beds. The city could build specific shelters for LGBTQ+ community, women, and families. This will ensure the safety of our homeless and unhoused communities and also account for neighborhood disruption. Tiny house projects and other forms of shelter could also be added to the City’s inventory of housing options.

The Albuquerque Community Safety Department is a public safety response team for non-life threatening 911 calls. Some people choose to live on the street or in a shelter. These people experiencing homelessness need their own unique services. Through the Albuquerque Community Safety Department we need to do consistent, daily street outreach. Studies show that up to 20 encounters are needed for an individual to accept help. We know where tents are and where the suffering is. The city should be going to the people to help, rather than waiting for a call.  For updates on the Albuquerque Community Safety Department: https://www.cabq.gov/acs

Some mentally ill people need additional services and permanent sheltering/treatment. This is an area that needs more development - urgently. We need case managers in every shelter to assess the needs of individual people and connect them to resources accordingly. Every homeless individual is unique in their needs!