ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Mayor Keller today called for a renewed commitment to integrating public employment opportunities into the city’s efforts to address homelessness. The city unveiled its plans for “A Better Way Forward.” The program provides jobs to individuals residing at the Gateway Center and Gateway West (formerly Westside Emergency Housing Center), cleans streets and sidewalks in Albuquerque, provides transportation to and from job sites, and provides connections to other services such as financial literacy, banking, and case management.
The program builds on the successes and experiences of There’s A Better Way, a program launched in 2015. That program was a day laborer program that engaged homeless people on a case-by-case basis. In contrast, A Better Way Forward offers longer-term opportunities combined with support and resources to provide participants with more comprehensive assistance.
“There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the complex problem of homelessness, but this program offers people willing to work a real path to stability and beautify our city,” said Mayor Tim Keller“If you don’t have a permanent home, there are many obstacles to finding work. We want to make it easier for people in our shelters to enjoy the dignity of work.”
“The satisfaction that comes from doing impactful work is something we all need,” said Reneé Grout, 9th District Councilwoman and sponsor of the day labor resolution passed in June. “I am so pleased that our Department of Health, Housing and Homelessness has developed a plan that will provide our most vulnerable citizens with the opportunity to make a difference in the community and earn some money for their work. I look forward to seeing the plan and working with the City Council to fund the program.”
The City is committed to innovative solutions to address homelessness. Supporting people living in shelters through employment is a proven way to create pathways to financial and ultimately housing stability.
“To improve a person’s chances of long-term stability, a comprehensive support system is critical. Employment opportunities are an essential part of that system,” said HHH Director Gilbert Ramirez“The Better Way Forward program offers people with unstable housing situations the opportunity to create structure while giving back to their community with dignity.”
Mayor Keller will present the proposal to the City Council later this month.
