81 People Got Rides from ACS to Shelter Wednesday Night
ALBUQUERQUE – 81 people were transported out of freezing temperatures to safety and shelter on Wednesday night, thanks to Albuquerque Community Safety’s Emergency Overnight Shelter Transportation service. In response to the high volume of calls during this cold weather, ACS activated three teams to help give people rides to a warm bed.
The City’s Health, Housing and Homelessness expanded shelter capacity at Gateway West and Gateway Center to meet the need last night. For the fourth day in a row, Gateway West once again reached capacity Wednesday night, serving 700 people. Emergency Winter Sheltering was activated at Gateway Center, which served 77 people. Each individual was met with a warm bed, meal, new coats, and other warm clothing if needed. The City is committed to providing a bed for anyone that needs one.
“Just a few years ago, our unsheltered neighbors didn’t have a safe space to go on cold winter nights,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Now, through our Gateway network, and ACS, there’s a warm place for people to go and transportation to get them there.”
Since its launch in November, ACS’s Emergency Overnight Shelter Transportation service has transported 1,867 individuals to shelters, offering crucial support to those facing life-threatening conditions. The service operates daily from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through April.
“We continue to see a growing demand for this service as temperatures plummet," said ACS Director Jodie Esquibel. "The safety of those we serve is our top priority, and the efforts of our ACS staff, along with support from other city departments, helped ensure those in need had access to shelter last night."
Individuals needing transport to shelter can call the ACS hotline at 505-418-6178, where they will be connected to available shelters across Albuquerque.
As cold weather persists, ACS remains on alert, ready to provide transportation services to anyone in need.
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ACS is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.