The City of Albuquerque and Goodwill Industries of New Mexico collaborated to host a successful job and community resource fair at the Westside Emergency Housing Center. The event, which saw an attendance of over 150 residents, offered an array of essential services and resources.
Maria Wolfe, Homeless Innovations Officer, stated, “With close to 500 people staying at the Westside Shelter every day, we know that people have a variety of needs, including people who would like to be connected to job opportunities. This fair was developed in order to bring in more people, employers, and opportunities to address those diverse needs. We are so grateful for Goodwill’s leadership to bring together partners and make this happen.”
The fair showcased 19 different employers and service providers who offered on-site vaccinations and medical screenings, job opportunities, benefits enrollment, housing support, medical services, among other vital resources. Companies such as Sysco, Habitat for Humanity, Clearly Clean Janitorial Services, Alorica, and Ambercare provided information about employment opportunities to 132 attendees. CNM connected 16 individuals with educational resources and career exploration.
Health services were also a key part of the event. The New Mexico Department of Health administered 30 vaccinations for COVID-19 and flu while UNM Health conducted 27 tests for HIV and Hepatitis. Furthermore, 32 individuals will receive follow-up assessments for Medicare enrollment.
Veterans organizations assisted 14 individuals in connecting with their deserved benefits while Sagebrush Church distributed clothing items to 175 attendees. Roadrunner Food Bank enrolled eight individuals in SNAP benefits and provided information about food resources to over a hundred participants.
Shauna Kastle, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of New Mexico commented on the initiative saying: “As a non-profit organization, our mission is to help New Mexicans attain job skills, find employment and gain access to specialized social services. Partnering on this important initiative with the City of Albuquerque helps make the dignity of work possible for all.”
Participating organizations included Goodwill Industries of New Mexico, Clearly Clean Janitorial Services, Oakstreet Health, UNMH, Habitat for Humanity, Presbyterian Health Services, Ambercare, NM Department of Veteran Services, CNM, Health Equity Council, Roadrunner Food Bank, Alorica, Rio Grande Food Pantry, New Mexico Veterans Integration Center, ARC NM, Life Link, New Day Youth & Family Services, Sagebrush Church, First Nations Community HealthSource and Sysco NM.
