Mayor Tim Keller, City of Albuquerque | City of Albuquerque
Mayor Tim Keller, City of Albuquerque | City of Albuquerque
The Albuquerque City Council has selected Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) to operate Gateway West, the city's largest shelter. This facility can accommodate up to 660 individuals each night. CPLC will replace Heading Home, which has managed the shelter since 2018. The current contract with Heading Home is set to expire at the end of this year. A collaborative effort between the City of Albuquerque, CPLC, and Heading Home will ensure a seamless transition.
CPLC was established in 1969 by community members advocating against racial discrimination. It has since broadened its mission to include health and human services, housing, education, economic development, and advocacy. With offices across six southwestern states, their New Mexico office is located in Albuquerque.
CPLC brings significant experience from managing similar shelters in other regions. Their operations include the Domestic Violence Shelter and Homeless Family Shelter in Phoenix and an emergency site for unaccompanied minors in Hidalgo County, Texas. In Texas, they provided medical and educational services while reuniting over 1,400 children with their families.
In addition to taking over Gateway West's operations, councilors approved another contract for CPLC to offer case management services for residents under 59 years old. A separate agreement with Sierra Health Care Inc., still awaiting council approval, would provide similar services for seniors aged 60 and older.
Mayor Tim Keller commented on these developments: “We’re working together with providers to meet people where they’re at and break cycles of homelessness by connecting folks to case management, housing, and resources.” He added that ongoing improvements at Gateway West are part of efforts "to help folks on their path to stability."
Gilbert Ramirez, Director of Health, Housing, and Homelessness expressed gratitude towards both the city council for approving these contracts and Heading Home for its partnership during this transition period: “Through the expertise of CPLC combined with ongoing renovations at Gateway West," he stated confidently about continuing "providing more pathways out of homelessness.”
Recent renovations at Gateway West have involved volunteers upgrading six dorms with new beds featuring secure storage underneath them along with new flooring installations as well as bathroom refurbishments.
For those interested in volunteering opportunities at Gateway West visit cabq.gov/VolunteerGatewayWest
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