Albuquerque officials continue to address the ongoing homeless crisis after the closing of Coronado Park.

Dr. Elizabeth Holguin, deputy director of Homeless Solutions for the City of Albuquerque, said that surveys of people who were living in the park have helped identify their needs.

“Most of them need housing, some of them are connected to services like Social Security and food stamps, but many are not,” Holguin told KOAT this week.

The surveys have identified approximately 100 people who were living in the park before it was closed by the City. Holguin noted that each case will be examined to connect them with the housing and services that would benefit them. Many of those who were living in Coronado have already relocated to shelters.

“I think once they realized that it was closing, many more were willing to go to shelters,” Holguin said. “And we've heard from Brothers of the Good Shepherd and the AOC, which is the Albuquerque Opportunity Center. Those organizations had beds empty, now they're full.”

Holguin asked for patience from the public and all those concerned as the City continues to deal with the homeless.

“I would encourage people to have more of an open mind and continue contacting us with ideas and solutions, because we're always very open to trying new things,” she told KOAT.

City officials said the closing of Coronado Park was necessary because of escalating crime.

“I think overall it will help reduce crime and drug use significantly or at least the trafficking portion of that, and help people get onto that pathway for the next steps,” Holguin said. She added that there are no current plans to close other parks in the city where the homeless are encamped.