Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) is reporting progress in its outreach to people experiencing homelessness and mental health crises through its Connect to Care initiative. From January to August 2025, ACS organized 16 events across the city, providing direct access to resources for unsheltered residents.
The Connect to Care events brought together various city departments and community partners, including the Albuquerque Police Department, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, UNM Mobile Medical Team, Roadrunner Food Bank, Veteran’s Integration Center, First Nations Community HealthSource, New Mexico Department of Health, City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare, and Vets for Pets. These collaborations aimed to deliver services such as medical assessments and housing support at locations accessible to those in need.
According to ACS data from these events:
– 609 individuals engaged with critical resources
– 273 received medical assessments that included psychiatric care and opioid treatment
– 136 people received Narcan and harm reduction education; eight were transported immediately for substance abuse treatment
– 18 veterans connected with the Veteran’s Integration Center for housing and benefits
– 43 people received assistance applying for SNAP food aid
– 85 completed housing assessments
Mayor Tim Keller stated: “This is community safety reimagined. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our ACS teams and partners, more people in Albuquerque are finding stability, connection, and the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”
ACS has also expanded its Street Outreach Case Navigator program. Since January 2025:
– 88 individuals have been supported through intensive case navigation
– Of those supported, 70 secured permanent housing—an 80% success rate
– Navigators are currently assisting 25 high-acuity clients in accessing benefits needed for long-term housing
Due to this success, ACS increased its staff from one to two full-time Case Navigators earlier this year.
ACS Director Jodie Esquibel said: “This work is about more than services, it’s about restoring dignity and creating hope. Every connection at these events represents a life moving closer to healing and stability.”
Street Outreach Coordinators continue supporting residents by providing safe transport to shelters; helping obtain identification documents; connecting pet owners with veterinary care; and working alongside UNM Mobile Street Medicine for field treatment.
“Every statistic tells a story of a neighbor who no longer has to face crisis alone,” said Jennifer Martinez, ACS Homeless Liaison Administrator. “When we bring compassion to the frontlines, we see people not just survive but begin to thrive.”
ACS operates as the third branch of public safety within the City of Albuquerque. Its responders handle calls involving behavioral health or substance use issues that do not require police or emergency medical intervention.
