Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) Street Outreach responders recently intervened to assist a mother and her three young children who were living in unsafe conditions due to substance use and family conflict. The situation took place in a multi-generational household where the children’s grandmother, who was using fentanyl, left drug paraphernalia within reach and became aggressive when confronted.
The family had initially sought refuge in the home to escape domestic violence but encountered further danger. The mother locked herself and her children inside a room for protection. Albuquerque Police de-escalated the immediate conflict before calling ACS’s Street Outreach team for further assistance.
Upon arrival, ACS responders arranged emergency placement for the family at a safe house and coordinated with domestic violence shelter services to ensure ongoing support. They also provided referrals for behavioral health care, case management, and long-term housing planning.
“This is exactly why we created ACS, to send trained responders who can support, and protect vulnerable families without relying solely on law enforcement,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Our teams step in where they’re needed most, and in this case, helped three children and their mom find safety and a path forward.”
“It was heartbreaking to see what this family had gone through, but we were able to act quickly,” said ACS Street Outreach Responder Mark Richardson. “We’re not just there to respond, we’re there to walk with them toward stability and healing.”
ACS provides trauma-informed safety solutions for Albuquerque residents facing non-violent emergencies such as mental health issues or housing insecurity. The agency operates around the clock as part of the city’s third branch of public safety alongside police and fire departments. Residents can request ACS assistance by calling 911 for emergencies or 311 for non-emergencies.
