A rift formed this summer between the city and its Human Rights Board over an analysis of the state of those experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque.The result is that a final report to be issued to the city won’t be submitted. Even though the all-volunteer board has no legal jurisdiction, it is empowered by city ordinance to investigate issues and propose findings.
“I took the city’s reaction to the previous draft of the report as a warning that further consideration could result in issues for the board,” Anami Dass, board chair, said.
Throughout the year, the board — and Dass especially — has assessed and investigated an array of challenges faced by thousands of people in Albuquerque who live on the streets and in city shelters. The board found those experiencing homelessness encounter widespread discrimination, stigma and exclusion by the public and city employees and contractors. It also found issues with the city’s housing voucher program and with conditions at its Westside shelter — Gateway West, formerly the Westside Emergency Housing Center.