ABQ Times

Today, Gateway Family hosted a special event for the children and families involved in their housing program in Albuquerque. This event included games, arts and crafts, a toy walk, an egg hunt, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

A mother attending the event expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate with her children: “This year I wasn’t able to do anything for my kids for Easter, and with this, they’re so excited. Just seeing their smile…This is really helpful for families like ours,” she said.

Mayor Tim Keller commented on the event, emphasizing the importance of joyful moments for families working toward a better future. “As a parent, there’s nothing like seeing your kids light up with joy, and every family deserves that moment,” he said. “At Gateway Family, these parents are working hard every day to build a better future, and today, they got to just enjoy being with their kids.”

Various city departments and community partners supported the event. The Department of Arts and Culture donated 70 family passes for the Biopark and City Museums. Albuquerque Fire Rescue participated with a fire truck, and the Albuquerque Police Department hosted an outreach table with coloring activities.

Health, Housing and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez acknowledged the significance of the celebration: “Families work every day to get into permanent housing, and we know this can be a taxing process. This makes moments of celebration all the more meaningful, and I want to thank the volunteers who made this possible.”

Currently, Gateway Family operates in an undisclosed location. The program's 90-day scheme offers a safe living space and connects participants to resources with the aim of securing a housing voucher.