The city’s Westside Emergency Housing Center (WEHC) is considered a necessary but harsh shelter for the hundreds of residents who stay there, and its distant location from city services has long been a criticism. The former jail facility has been described as “deplorable” and “scary.” Even though physical improvements are in progress, the WEHC isn’t […]
Housing & Homelessness
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Photos: Albuquerque Community Safety shows off new digs
The city department formed in 2021 that’s charged with, among other things, responding to situations involving those who are experiencing homelessness has a new home. Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) is now located in a 10,800-square-foot facility at 1210 San Mateo Blvd. SE, just northwest of its previous location at the Gateway Center at Gibson Health […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, National News, New Mexico Statewide News, Syndicated
AP analysis finds 2023 set record for US heat deaths, killing in areas that used to handle the heat
David Hom suffered from diabetes and felt nauseated before he went out to hang his laundry in 108-degree weather, another day in Arizona’s record-smashing, unrelenting July heat wave. His family found the 73-year-old lying on the ground, his lower body burned. Hom died at the hospital, his core body temperature at 107 degrees. The death certificates […]
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No central point of contact stymie motel voucher program
The clock is ticking on a required city report to address the metro’s inventory of blighted motels and its hotel voucher program — one that’s meant to assist citizens in urgent need of a free room for a night or a short stay, including those experiencing homelessness. Frustrations with unsafe and unhealthy motels and the […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, New Mexico Statewide News, Politics & Elections
Death threats. Harassment. Intimidation. For New Mexico women, a life in politics can bring all three.
This story is republished from Searchlight NM, a nonprofit news outlet, as a part of our commitment to bringing you the best in independent news coverage that matters to Albuquerque. By Susanna Space One Wednesday morning in April, Las Cruces City Councilor Johana Bencomo sat in a federal courtroom, watching with concern as a man […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Vote on BernCo Behavioral Health Authority delayed after outpouring of public comment
A month ago, Bernalillo County officials hoped for feedback from city and county residents on the proposed creation of a Behavioral Health Authority and how it should operate in their communities. At its meeting Tuesday, the Board of County Commissioners said the volume of public comments it received exceeded expectations, and due to the wide […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, National News, Politics & Elections, Syndicated
“Are you with me?” Biden and Harris launch Black voter outreach and warn of a second Trump term
By AAMER MADHANI President Joe Biden renewed his election-year pitch to Black voters on Wednesday, lashing out at Donald Trump’s “MAGA lies” and said the winner of this year’s White House race will make crucial decisions, including nominees for the Supreme Court, that could affect the country for decades. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, […]
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What we get wrong about homelessness
If you’re like many in Albuquerque who feel helpless and frustrated when passing by someone experiencing homelessness, author Kevin F. Adler wants you to know you’re not alone. The California-based advocate and author of When We Walk By said he’s found antidotes to the despair and solutions in Golden State cities that would be useful […]
Posted inBernalillo County, Housing & Homelessness, Local Gov., Opinion, Uncategorized
Commissioners: Input wanted on ordinance to prioritize county behavioral health funds
This letter is provided as opinion/commentary from the authors. Commissioner Adriann Barboa represents District 3 which includes the SE heights, UNM, and the International District. Commissioner Eric Olivas represents District 5 including much of the NE Heights, Uptown, the Foothills and the East Mountains. You can submit your own opinion: editor@citydesk.org We have a homelessness […]
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Albuquerque City Council approves $1.4 billion budget
Budget bumps, popsicles and postponed charter changes dominated the lengthy Albuquerque City Council meeting May 20. In the end, a $1.4 billion budget was approved for fiscal year 2025. Budget Ups and Downs A big chunk of the five-plus hour meeting was spent working out the dollar details. After a couple of hours of discussion […]