The creation of Safe Outdoor Spaces was recently approved by the Albuquerque City Council, allowing the project to move forward.
"Well, at least in the city, the question of will we have a safe space option is settled," City Councilor Pat Davis told KOB 4.
Safe Outdoor Spaces provide "dedicated spaces for tents, recreational vehicles (RVs), and/or light vehicles for temporary occupancy" by homeless people, according to the city of Albuquerque's website.
Two spaces have been approved; the first, located on Menaul Boulevard near the Big I freeway interchange, was approved in August, KOB 4 reported. A second space is located at Candelaria Road near Edith Boulevard at the Albuquerque Opportunity Center.
Finding the necessary funding for the program is a priority to ensure the spaces are properly maintained and safe, according to KOB 4. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller expects the funding will come from a variety of sources.
"We know that the program itself is still valid, and so the funding question is really a separate question," Keller said. "Folks can obviously fund it through their own nonprofit or church, and we'll see what other kind of city support might be available."
The city of Albuquerque's Planning Department approved the location on Menaul near the Big-I in August, KOB 4 reported in another article. People who are homeless will be allowed to live there. This space will feature 40 tents for 50 women. The women who live there will be responsible for cleaning and securing the property.
