On Aug. 3, Mayor Tim Keller and the City of Albuquerque announced the completion of construction for the Gateway's Housing Navigation Center and Engagement Center. The Housing Navigation Center, which is now operational, features 100 overnight beds aimed at aiding individuals in their journey toward stable housing, while the Engagement Center offers onsite wraparound services for clients, according to a press release.
"This month, clients are moving into this beautiful space where they’ll work to get back on their feet and into stable housing," Keller said.
The Gateway program, supported by Albuquerque Community Safety and local homeless service providers, offers referrals to clients while gradually expanding its capacity during the transition of clients and staff. Operated by Heading Home, this initiative builds upon the successful Family Housing Navigation Center, permanently housing over 1,000 individuals since December 2020, and aims to stabilize clients within around 90 days. Both Gateway and the Family Housing programs provide dedicated city-funded housing vouchers to expedite housing search and ensure ongoing support. Additionally, the Engagement Center will house community agencies, such as Western Sky Community Care, the City’s Animal Welfare Department and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, offering complementary services to Gateway clients, according to a press release.
“There’s still more to do to make sure Albuquerque has the resources we need to tackle our toughest challenges, but opening these doors is a critical step,” Keller said.
Progress is ongoing in expanding the various services offered at the Gateway Center, including Medical Sobering, Medical Respite and the Receiving Area for First Responders. This collective effort introduces essential resources to Albuquerque's support system for individuals facing homelessness, alleviating the strain on emergency services and ensuring clients receive more tailored and suitable care for their specific needs, according to a press release.
“We’ve done the research to show us where our system is just not serving people the way it needs to,” said director Carol Pierce, according to a press release. “What we’re providing at Gateway will address historic equity barriers, help more people exit homelessness and provide connections to resources so that folks don’t fall through the cracks.”