Today, Mayor Keller and the City of Albuquerque’s Health, Housing & Homelessness Department showcased the newly renovated dorms and kitchen at the Westside Emergency Housing Center. The City also announced a new name for the facility, Gateway West, as the center is no longer an emergency housing center but a resource open year-round to connect the most vulnerable in our community to hope, healing, and housing. Gateway West shelters around 450-660 people every night and offers critical services including transportation, meals, and medical care.
“We know this shelter is not perfect, but instead of complaining about it, we’re improving it to better serve the hundreds of people who stay here every night,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We’re turning Gateway West into a place of hope that will be fitting of the name Gateway, to connect folks to the help they need.”
The City is renovating all 12 dorms at Gateway West. Renovations include fresh paint, new floors, LED lights, bathroom fixtures and partitions, and new beds with lockable storage. Three dorms have been finished to date, and a total of seven will be completed by the end of October. The dorms are being renovated in sequence to maintain capacity and continue serving hundreds throughout the renovations.
Albuquerque City Council provided start-up funds for exterior design, pet areas and shade. Bernalillo County and State Legislators have also been important partners in supporting improvements to the facility. Architects are finalizing plans for shade structures, seating areas, dog parks, paving and improved ADA accessibility. Outdoor improvements will commence when indoor improvements are completed. Gateway West currently offers a medical clinic, case management for people 60 and over three meals a day, and transportation to and from the facility. Soon case management will be available for all guests.
“We know this facility serves hundreds of our most vulnerable neighbors every night and is a vital piece to our network of care when working with the unhoused,” said Gilbert Ramirez, Director of Health, Housing & Homelessness. “We will continue to improve our facilities and ramp up services to support people on their path to housing.”
There are $6 million in investments going into Gateway West including a roof that doesn't leak air conditioning that actually works and energy-efficient lighting. There is still a long way to go inviting faith groups service providers volunteers get involved.
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