Hello Albuquerque, 

This week, my interfaith family celebrated Holy Week and Passover in a very different way than we are used to. Instead of having the family together on these occasions, we got together over video chats and it was very clear that coronavirus was on the forefront of all of our minds. 

At a time when we’d traditionally bring together friends and family, and invite others to join in celebration, we are so grateful for all in our community who are finding new ways to reach out and help those most in need this season.

Today, like many New Mexicans, we did not partake on a traditional pilgrimage to Tomé or Chimayó, but we are all making a different kind of sacrifice for each other. 

We want to thank our faith leaders for their patience and flexibility in this time and finding ways to celebrate our religious holidays in ways that keep everyone safe.

It’s important that everyone who can, continues to stay home even during Easter weekend. This is about saving lives and helping our first responders and healthcare providers take care of our community and take care of themselves. 

We will get through this as One Albuquerque, 

Mayor Tim Keller 

Mayor Keller Announces City Childcare for Essential Workers
Free service to lift burden for first responders, healthcare providers, government workers 

Mayor Tim Keller and the City’s Family and Community Services Department announced a program to provide free childcare services to essential workers who need help for their kids aged 3-5. The service is an expansion on existing emergency childcare programming being offered for school-age children at community centers around town. 

The City, working with paid volunteer teachers, will open Herman Sanchez Child Development Center beginning on Monday, April 13. Parents who qualify as essential workers can call 767-6504 to register their children at no cost.

Mayor Keller Announces $500,000 To Support Creative Economy Relief Efforts

Funding and other support offered to local creatives and artists impacted by COVID-19

The Creative Economy is the sixth pillar of Mayor Tim Keller's economic strategy, and the Cultural Services Department believes it is important to recognize and respond to the immediate and long-term effect the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has on our culturally critical organizations, our artists and creatives, as well as the broad creative economy.

Awards to eligible non-profits will be based on the organization's resiliency, cultural vitality, audience engagement, ability to use funds to directly to employ artists through contract or other work and commitment towards becoming an organization of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. Applications open on April 6 and are due by 5 p.m. on April 14.

Mayor Tim Keller Rolls Out “WiFi on Wheels” to Provide Free Wireless Internet Access Options to Students, Families

Locations include new mobile hotspots at 21 locations across Albuquerque, extends WiFi outside of City facilities with plans to expand to more locations

This week, Mayor Tim Keller announced an innovative new effort to provide free wireless internet options to Albuquerque residents. Due to coronavirus, many students are relying on learning from home, but not every family has equitable access to the internet. The City of Albuquerque is rolling out “WiFi on Wheels”, placing mobile WiFi units at APS schools as well as extending WiFi capabilities outside of City facilities.

The mobile hotspots at APS meal sites will operate during regular meal site hours, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The WiFi at City facilities and neighborhoods is available every day 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. To connect to these services, a wireless device — such as a laptop computer, smart phone, or tablet – is needed.

Updated locations, availability, and more information can be found by clicking the button below.

Local Hospitals Welcome Food Donations if Done Safely

Hospitals share instructions to safely donate food to front line workers

Local hospitals are experiencing an outpouring of support from the community, especially restaurants, during the around-the-clock response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Food donations for health care workers are very much appreciated if they follow the safety  guidelines, which can be found by clicking the button below.

Mayor Keller Asks Volunteers to Log Hours to Help Bring In Federal Relief Funds

FEMA can reimburse volunteer hours at a rate of $25.43/hr

The “One Albuquerque” spirit is alive and well as residents throughout the city rise to the challenges of the coronavirus public health emergency. From decentralized mutual aid efforts to transforming yards of cloth into masks, many people are finding ways to help fill a need. The City of Albuquerque is now aiming to capture the magnitude of that impact.

The City of Albuquerque encourages all of the organizations and individuals who are stepping up to help address the public health emergency to post their opportunities and log their hours on the One Albuquerque Volunteers website by clicking the button below.

Mayor Keller Unveils Coronavirus Data Hub to Keep Public Updated on COVID-19 Info

Find meal sites, testing locations and important data in a visual format 

Mayor Tim Keller unveiled the City’s Coronavirus Data Hub this week to give the public access to up-to-date maps and data related to COVID-19, displayed in a visual format. These tools make it easy to find nearby meal sites, COVID testing locations, and more.

The website includes the Community Impact Dashboard that offers updated local COVID-19 information, such as the number of confirmed, active and recovered cases, as well as active testing locations and general COVID-19 information. Other information includes school closings, number of meals served to seniors, and how the community is responding to the health crisis through volunteering.

The Coronavirus Data Hub can be accessed by clicking the button below.

Residents in need of assistance can find resources below:

• If you are displaying symptoms, contact the New Mexico Department of Health at 1-855-600-3453
• Childcare, food, etc
• If you are in an unsafe environment due to domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• To get information on Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, visit https://www.albuquerqueaa.org/wondering-about-the-coronavirus-and-aa-meetings/ or contact 505-266-1900
• The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line has counselors available 24/7 to speak at 855-662-7474.
• The Department of Senior Affairs can be reached at 505-764-6400. A full list of resources available for seniors can found at https://www.cabq.gov/news/coronavirus-impacts-on-city-services
• The Child Abuse Hotline can be reached at 505-841-6100.
• For Adult Protective Services, contact 505-476-4912.
• The Agora Center is available at 505-277-3013