The City of Albuquerque reported on May 21 that its latest Albuquerque Community Safety Connect to Care event assisted a record 169 individuals experiencing homelessness by providing access to vital services and support.
The event aimed to address immediate needs for people facing homelessness by connecting them with resources such as identification, medical care, housing navigation, food assistance, transportation, and pet support. The high turnout demonstrates the community’s willingness to seek help and highlights the city’s ongoing efforts to remove barriers for those in need.
During the event, attendees received a range of services including 60 ID vouchers and 22 temporary IDs printed onsite by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division. Medical or psychiatric evaluations were provided for 19 individuals through UNM Mobile Medicine. Housing assessments were completed for 17 participants, with five referrals made for longer-term navigation. Four people received direct transport to shelters or other resources through warm hand-offs, including one veteran placement. Additional support included distribution of food bags, pet food supplies, SNAP application assistance, transportation services, shelter referrals, reunification help, and overdose prevention education with Narcan kits.
“ACS Connect to Care events are about meeting people where they are and removing barriers that often prevent them from accessing help,” said Jodie Esquibel, Director of Albuquerque Community Safety. “This record turnout shows the value of bringing services directly to our unhoused neighbors in one accessible location and connecting people with the support they need.”
“These events reflect Albuquerque’s commitment to compassion, coordination, and action,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “When our city departments, community organizations, and service providers come together, we can connect people to the resources they need to move toward stability and housing.”
Connect to Care events occur every two weeks under the coordination of Albuquerque Community Safety Department in partnership with local agencies such as New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division and UNM Mobile Medicine. These gatherings bring multiple service providers together at a single site so that those experiencing homelessness can more easily access various forms of aid without having to travel between locations.
Albuquerque has long served as a cultural landmark through venues like the KiMo Theatre—fostering community gatherings over decades—and maintains historic sites reflecting its diverse heritage according to theater’s history page. The city government also focuses on setting goals and preserving a merit system through council duties according to its official website.
Looking ahead after this successful turnout at Connect To Care events—which are made possible thanks in part to collaboration from partners like Roadrunner Food Bank and HopeWorks—the city continues working towards streamlining access for vulnerable populations.
