[Neighbors] FW: Homeless Solutions in Albuquerque, CABQ Report

Sun Jan 10 12:00:27 MST 2021

Forwarding this report that will be of interest to many. 

Gary Eyster

President, Nob Hill Neighborhood Association

(505)991-1388

meyster1 at me.com <mailto:meyster1 at me.com> 

From: City of Albuquerque [mailto:fcsinfo at cabq.gov] 
Sent: Friday, January 8, 2021 4:05 PM
To: Gary <theboard at nobhill-nm.com>
Subject: Homeless Solutions in Albuquerque

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Government is not often thought of as being compassionate, but that's what the Department of Family and Community Services staff and our partners strive for every day.

As we leave the challenges of 2020 behind, we renew our commitment to deliver vital services with kind-heartedness to our entire community.

Happy New Year, and we wish you a healthy and safe 2021! 

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Don't despair, the City of Albuquerque's Eviction Prevention Program may provide assistance.

Eviction Prevention Program Helps 900+ Households Keep the Lights On

The unpredictability of 2020 has inflicted untold hardships onto far too many people throughout our community. But eviction notices or having utilities disconnected are things we will keep working to prevent.

If you or someone you know is struggling to pay their rent or utility bills, please share this vital information with them.

The City's  <https://cabq.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bb82e1139de2f8c038c90803&id=293bbb40f1&e=feb53bfad3> Eviction Prevention Program (EPP) assists individuals and families who need help paying their rent or are in jeopardy of having heat or electricity shut off. This emergency assistance program provides relief for Albuquerque families by eliminating barriers to access. 

Since March 2020, our four Health and Social Service Centers (H&SSC), nearly $900,000 in eviction prevention dollars were distributed to just over 900 families. That's 2,561 household members helped by this program.

The H&SSC teams have the opportunity to learn firsthand how crucial this program is to people living on the margins. Our H&SSC team wants to share a sample of the gratitude expressed by many of the program's recipients.

"Ms. Benavidez, you are a Godsend. You don't know how much I appreciate this. I've had hives from all the stress of not knowing where to get help or if I would even get support. Thank you so much for helping me. 

I hope your holidays will be wonderful as mine will be, knowing I won't get evicted. I still have a roof over my head and electricity! I'm sure you all work very hard to make people feel so grateful for everything. Once again, thank you for your help. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" 

– Ms. G

The H&SSC teams remain committed to assisting families in need in the New Year.

An additional $1 million eviction prevention dollars have been allocated to continue this vital program, helping so many.

Individuals and families interested in participating in the Eviction Prevention Program should call the H&SSC nearest to them to determine requirements and eligibility.   <https://cabq.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bb82e1139de2f8c038c90803&id=7370dd6626&e=feb53bfad3> Click to learn more or call the number below nearest you:

*	 <https://cabq.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bb82e1139de2f8c038c90803&id=a72bc544d7&e=feb53bfad3> Alamosa H&SSC: (505) 836-8800
*	 <https://cabq.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bb82e1139de2f8c038c90803&id=eafd36b3da&e=feb53bfad3> East Central H&SSC: (505) 767-5700
*	 <https://cabq.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bb82e1139de2f8c038c90803&id=6323831abe&e=feb53bfad3> John Marshall H&SSC: (505) 848-1345
*	 <https://cabq.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bb82e1139de2f8c038c90803&id=93eef412fb&e=feb53bfad3> Los Griegos H&SSC: (505) 761-4050

Albuquerque's Health and Social Service Centers provide a community focal point and services to meet the health, education, and social service needs of area residents.

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Alamosa Health and Social Service Center Staff L-R: Esmeralda Guzman, Eleanor Benavidez, Renee Archuleta (Dayna Griego and Sarahi Enriquez not pictured)

“Our community is our family and we have always been here by their side, more so since the start of the pandemic. Not minimizing our service just modifying them to keep us all safe.”  - Eleanor Benavidez

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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WILL THE CITY CLOSE THE WESTSIDE SHELTER ONCE GATEWAYS OPEN? 

Daily, the Department of Family and Community Services receives countless inquiries with specific questions about the unhoused and the City's plans to assist those in need of shelter. 

We've heard you, so in this new video series, Gateway Project Coordinator Quinn Donnay will provide her expertise and insights to answer the most pressing frequently asked questions.

 <https://cabq.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bb82e1139de2f8c038c90803&id=9df46237a5&e=feb53bfad3> Subscribe to our Youtube channel for the latest videos. 

Improvements Underway at Westside Emergency Housing Center

More than $1 million in facility upgrades are currently happening at the Westside Emergency Housing Center (WEHC). Improvements at the facility will help modernize the State’s largest homeless shelter, making it a more stable environment for individuals seeking refuge. 

Renovations include:

*	29 HVAC unites and exhaust fans,
*	Milling and grading of the parking lot,
*	Construction of trash enclosure,
*	ADA ramps and stair repairs.

The most recent investment in capital improvements prepares the WEHC for the next phase of the Gateways plan and a more robust care system for the unhoused population.

SERVICE PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT 

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Maria's Story - Facing the Future Through Love and Understanding

I grew up with my grandmother and her boyfriend of 25 years, who I called dad. My mother was a drug addict and alcoholic who didn't have the mental capacity to care for my sister and me. My grandmother and dad did their best, but he left when I was young, and she developed Parkinson's disease. My mother, who was battling addiction, came to care for my grandmother and kicked me out.

While it was hurtful, it was the best thing that could've happened to me. I stayed with a friend in Arkansas, where I lived in a run-down trailer with the roof caving in and a flea infestation. Very soon, I realized that I had to find a way out. An ex-boyfriend offered me money to return to Albuquerque. We dated until I began to fear for my physical safety.

A friend at the time told me about New Day. I was scared but joined the program, and things improved. I still faced challenges due to being rejected and hurt by my family, but the people at New Day showed me kindness. I got my GED, and I developed confidence and independence. I found work that I enjoyed at the airport and stuck with it. Then I went on vacation to Portland, Oregon. 

I went back and forth between Albuquerque and Portland for two years. I didn't feel like I belonged there, but I met a man who became like a father, and in that sense, I found the love I had always craved. This helped me through bad times and helped me realize that it's the love and understanding that makes for a better life. I also met a little girl who helped me realize I wanted to become a nurse. I chose to come back to Albuquerque, and I met another significant person to influence me. He was the missing piece to my puzzle by teaching me not to be ashamed of who I am and where I come from, but instead to embrace it.

Someday, I hope to pass on the love and understanding these people and New Day had for me. I want to be a good nurse and help the people who need it the most.

Because of my experiences, I no longer hold anger towards the past, and I realize that all people need is love and understanding. I'm fortunate to have found a program and the people who provided it to me.

In 1976, New Day Youth & Family Services began as Albuquerque's first and only runaway shelter. For the past 40 years, New Day has remained singularly focused on meeting young people's needs.  <https://cabq.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bb82e1139de2f8c038c90803&id=4db9d80829&e=feb53bfad3> V <https://cabq.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bb82e1139de2f8c038c90803&id=b13764451f&e=feb53bfad3> isit NDNM.org to learn more.

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