I have always believed in people and enjoy getting to know them, to learn something about their lives, and to share a personal connection. For me, helping other people is my passion, so I became a registered nurse and later got a master's degree in Public Administration.

Early in my career, I learned a lot about serving individuals, like Ray, at the group home, where I was the Activities Director. We often shared personal stories and a mutual affection for eggnog. Or Marjorie, who I met while I was a nurse. Through a terminal diagnosis and our mutual love for our pets, her eternal optimism left a lifelong impression. It's these deep and sincere human connections that have shaped my professional life in profound ways. I find inspiration in other people's journeys and always seek genuine relationships.

As the Director of Family and Community Services at the City of Albuquerque, our Department offers many programs. It works with community organizations to deliver various services to people from all walks of life, including housing, behavioral health services, and assistance to people without homes. Many resources are offered, and I always appreciate hearing how the people and organizations we work with are served or can be better helped. My position provides a rewarding opportunity to connect with people, listen to their stories, and collaborate on shared solutions in our community.  

I currently have an ongoing dialogue with a street artist whose artwork is joyful and inspiring. Learning about her lived experience as a person without a home deepens my understanding and connection to homelessness issues. I also appreciate the conversations with the individuals and families living in our neighborhoods. Seeing the need for people without homes is one part of my job, but having meaningful dialogues shape my work both professionally and personally.

This newsletter will bring stories from people with lived experience and useful information from the network of providers serving people without homes in our community. Please read and share this newsletter regularly. Your feedback and input are essential to me also. Let's keep learning, growing, and moving our community forward together.

Thank you,
Carol Pierce
Family and Community Services Director

HCC Committees Propose Recommendations

On Tuesday, October 13, the Homeless Coordinating Council (HCC) committees on Housing, Youth Housing, Street Outreach, Homeless Service Systems, and Gateway Facilities forwarded their finding and recommendations to the Homeless Coordinating Council appointed by Mayor Tim Keller earlier this year.

More than fifty community members contributed, including elected officials, neighborhood association members, service providers, UNM President and staff, and City staff. Participants collaborated in regular Zoom strategic planning sessions online to share their insights and expertise to address community housing and homelessness issues.

Since mid-August, the HCC and its subcommittees met bi-weekly to identify needs and gaps in critical areas around affordable housing and homelessness in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. The innovative use of technology to meet virtually and collaboratively during COVID-19 has produced outstanding results on our community's most pressing issues.

Thank you to the devoted and passionate participants for giving your time and expertise in making these recommendations towards workable solutions on affordable housing and homelessness.

The recommendations now go to the Homeless Coordinating Council to establish priorities, costs, timelines, and implementation plans.

To learn more about the Homeless Coordinating Council or to attend the next online meeting visit  https://cutt.ly/JfC8Ber. The HCC meets every other Tuesday and public comments are accepted.
 

Responding Quickly to COVID-19 Cases at WEHC

As of October 22, 2020, the City reported 127 COVID-19 cases at the Westside Emergency Housing Center. Every individual who has tested positive is currently in isolation and receiving medical care for their symptoms. The City also put forward a longer-term solution for isolating future positive cases in a non-congregate setting.

Early on in the public health emergency, the National Alliance to End Homelessness estimated that approximately 649 sheltered individuals experiencing homelessness would become infected with COVID-19 in Bernalillo County. Fewer than 130 positive cases have been reported at WEHC thanks to quick work to establish effective protocols to care for this population seeking shelter.

Under the guidance of Dr. Laura Chanchien Parajón of UNM Health Sciences Center, the City is screening every individual seeking to utilize the WEHC by taking temperatures and answering questions related to any recent symptoms. Anyone experiencing symptoms, exposed to someone with COVID, or traveled from a high-risk area is immediately placed in isolation or quarantine and administered a COVID-19 test. Those who test positive continue their isolation in a non-congregate hotel setting to receive food, medical attention and time to recover.

The Westside Emergency Housing Center, located at 7440 Jim McDowell NW, is open to men, women and families experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque. While the WEHC is not currently taking new residents and transportation has been suspended through the weekend, individuals and families in need of assistance can call 768-HELP, 10:00 am–6:00 pm.

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