ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The city has spent the last few years focusing on overnight beds for women and families, and by next year with a new initiative, the city is promising more beds for men, teens, and those recovering from drug abuse.
“It is our opportunity to really double down and focus in on a very focused approach to serving our community and really addressing our needs in the homelessness arena,” said City of Albuquerque Chief Administrative Officer Samantha Sengel.
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It’s Albuquerque city leaders’ new effort to explain a “sweeping new approach” to homelessness: the Metropolitan Homelessness Initiative . The initiative is something Mayor Tim Keller announced at his State of the City Address last weekend.
The city estimates there are at least 5,000 homeless living on Albuquerque streets. There are already three main Gateway facilities, including one that’s helped around 1,500 family members.