A second application for a “safe outdoor space” has been approved by the city of Albuquerque.
A "safe outdoor space" is a designated homeless encampment managed by the city. According to a KOAT report, the location of the second “safe outdoor space” is at the Albuquerque Opportunity Center on Candelaria Road. The building is owned by Heading Home and is less than a mile away from the first approved location.
"We decided that this was a way we could step up and do a bit more for the homeless," Steve Decker, CEO of Heading Home, told KOAT.
The first approved safe outdoor space, located at I-25 and Menaul Boulevard, is facing seven appeals from organizations throughout the city opposing the project, according to KOAT.
One of the appeals was filed by Beth Brownell from the Stronghurst Improvement Association.
"I don't see that there is anything humane about the safe outdoor space on I-25 and Menaul," Brownell told KOAT.
She said she doesn’t plan to appeal the second approved site, which will be a street away from the first one.
"They will use indoor facilities to have real bathrooms and showers,” she said. “It's much more humane.”
Brownell also said the second site at Heading Home will have only 12 parking sites instead of nearly 50 tents like the 1-25 and Menaul location.
“Having 50 tents is not good for the neighborhood, and it's not good for the homeless," Brownell said.
Decker said he doesn't expect many appeals for the second site.
“We have already worked with our neighborhood associations,” he told KOAT. “People know us. They know we won't put up with any nonsense.”
