Albuquerque city councilors approved three Gateway Center contracts Tuesday, Sept. 3. The vote reflects a growing reality: Albuquerque has become New Mexico’s hub for homeless services, managing problems that extend far beyond its borders.
The 100 new shelter beds, approved in 7-2 votes, will serve a population of 2,740 homeless residents — a 109% increase that includes people sent from communities across the state.
“It’s really well known at this point. A lot of the small towns send their unhoused populations here; we have the services they don’t,” Councilor Joaquín Baca said after the meeting. “I think we should get annual appropriations from the state, [because] we’re helping them. How much? That’s an open question.”…