FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bobby Sisneros, 681-2763
March 16, 2018
Albuquerque, NM - Mayor Tim Keller, the Department of Family and Community Services and Albuquerque Heading Home announced the wrap-up of this season’s emergency winter shelter. The shelter served the people experiencing homelessness, including the chronically homeless, for 120 days during this season, opening its doors on November 15, 2017 and remained in service until March 15, 2018. An average of 268 individuals, including families with children, received shelter each night this winter.
This season the shelter saw an increase in the daily average attendance by 5%. This increase in attendance translates to a daily average of 13 more individuals who did not have to sleep in the elements during the colder months of the year. Beautification projects by the Girl Scouts continue to make those who stay at the shelter feel more comfortable.
“Addressing homelessness in our City is critical and we are grateful to have been able to assist those needing assistance this Winter,” stated Mayor Keller. “We have also seen a decrease in homelessness over the last year which is due in large part to the programs and services that we are able to offer with our community partners.”
Each year the Department of Family and Community Services provides more than $1.8 million of funding to six different shelters, $201,380 in motel vouchers, and $4.7 million in permanent housing solutions through its partners and providers.
“Permanent supportive housing has proven to be the most cost effective way to truly end homelessness for individuals and families in Albuquerque,” said Carol Pierce, Director of Family and Community Services.
According to A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America’s Cities, released in December 2016, Albuquerque saw a decrease of overall people experiencing homelessness in the last ten years.
For more information on homeless services available in the City please visit cabq.gov/family or call 311, TTY 711.
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