ABQ Times

Today, 65 families at Gateway Family in Albuquerque enjoyed a holiday celebration organized by volunteers, City staff, and Heading Home. The event featured a meal with pozole and hot dogs for the children. Santa and the Grinch made a surprise visit to distribute gifts.

Heading Home, which operates Gateway Family, arranged an Adopt-a-Family event to gather donated gifts for each child at the party. In addition to receiving presents, families crafted ornaments, took family photos at a photo booth, and drank hot chocolate while listening to holiday music.

Aiden, who attended with his mother, expressed his joy: “I had fun enjoying the food, and I enjoyed meeting Santa and the Grinch. I’m so happy that everybody’s here.”

Mayor Tim Keller commented on the event's significance: “Every parent deserves time to celebrate the holiday season with their kids. Families enjoyed a memorable, fun-filled evening as they continue on the pathway to housing—something we look forward to offering families for years to come.”

Gateway Family residents participate in a 90-day program providing them with safe accommodation while connecting them with resources like affordable housing.

Gilbert Ramirez, Health, Housing and Homelessness Director, thanked those involved: “I would like to thank the volunteers who made this a special day for Families. Housing navigation can be a stressful process, and today, families were able to take a break and celebrate the magic of the holiday season.”

Eight volunteers contributed to making this event possible through efforts coordinated by Heading Home and City staff.