The city has 40 trucks available to plow and salt roads during winter weather events, but what’s the strategy for those who live on the streets? In the midst of some chilly temperatures Friday, officials said they have a plan.
The city’s cold weather approach for those experiencing homelessness is critical, advocates say, as many face significant exposure and potentially dire consequences from storms and dropping temperatures. Risks include hypothermia, frostbite and the spread of colds and viruses.
For more: Advocates, agencies for unhoused prepare for colder temps
City officials said the Gateway Center’s first responder receiving area — which features private assessment rooms for those who don’t need medical attention — is a key piece of their strategy.
The receiving area can be used for emergency overnight beds — it has 10 — while longer-term shelter options like those at Gateway West are accessed. Gateway West’s capacity is 660 and as of Friday, it had about 100 beds available. The current capacity at the Gateway Center is 50 beds — all of which were occupied as of Friday.
Officials stressed, however, that they’d find a way to provide an emergency bed to anyone who needs it.
“We just had our first freeze in Albuquerque, and we’re ready to get anyone that accepts help inside to a safe, warm bed,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a written statement prior to the event. “Cold weather can quickly become life-threatening for unsheltered folks, which is why we work together at the city and with our partners to connect people to the services they need.”
Albuquerque Community Safety staff often provide the transportation to the receiving area and to city shelters. During the colder months, the department said it will expand its emergency, after-hours transportation services from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. A ride can be requested by calling (505) 418-6178.
In addition, to assist first responders and others searching for shelter beds and other services, the city launched a new shelter connect dashboard. The site is intended to show updated bed availability at shelters throughout the city.
Meanwhile, the dangers of illegal outside fires — which tend to increase during colder weather — were also on the minds of officials. To stay warm and cook food, some turn to lighting small illegal fires outside, which can result in significant injuries, property damage and property loss.
Albuquerque Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Jimmy Melek said crews were already seeing an increase.
“Preparations are already underway to get our outside fire response truck in service. It is expected to be in service in the next few weeks,” he said.
For more: Fire Rescue prepares for increase in outside fires
AFR’s outside fire response truck — designed to be lightweight and agile — is beginning operations about a month earlier this year. When it responds to fires that have been lit by those experiencing homelessness, Melek said crews will offer connections to shelters through Albuquerque Community Safety. If services aren’t accepted, crews will offer blankets and coats.
Last year, the truck responded to more than 1,700 outside fire calls from late December through mid-April.