City ramps up services for homeless as winter approaches

As temperatures dip toward freezing, the city of Albuquerque is collecting cold-weather donations and offering shelter services and emergency transportation for those living on the streets.

“We did it last year — we saw a lot of success with it,” said Gilbert Ramirez, the executive administrator of the city’s Department of Health, Housing and Homelessness, at a Wednesday news conference.

The public can drop off lightly used or new jackets, blankets or socks at fire stations or Gateway centers. Donated items will be distributed by Albuquerque Community Safety and Albuquerque Fire Rescue to people living on the street.

ACS will also provide overnight transportation to shelters for those caught in the cold. Between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m., if you or someone else needs transportation to a shelter, call 505-418-6178 or 311.

ACS Director Jodie Esquibel encourages people to call the hotline early, rather than wait for operating hours to begin, to stay put once a call is made and give the dispatcher a description of identifiable clothing.

Last year, ACS gave 4,500 rides between November and late March, Esquibel said.

This year to keep up with demand, Albuquerque police service aides will also do shelter transport if needed, Esquibel said.

Winter can bring other challenges. Trying to stay warm, people often set fires, sometimes inside tents or on sidewalks, said Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo.

Starting Saturday, AFR will increase patrols to put out fires and refer people who set them to shelters.

Some would rather withstand the cold than go to a city shelter, in which case firefighters will provide donated jackets, socks and blankets, Jaramillo said.

“One thing we do understand is not everyone will choose to take shelter,” Ramirez said. “And that is their decision and their choice and they’re able to do that — but we would hate to leave them without any resources if they need it.”