ACS Emergency Overnight Shelter Transportation Connects Record Number of Residents to Safety This Winter
Gateway connections drive record winter utilization
ALBUQUERQUE – Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) has successfully concluded its Emergency Overnight Shelter Transportation service for the 2025-2026 winter season, which operated nightly from November 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. Over the course of the program, ACS connected a record 6,303 individuals experiencing homelessness to safe indoor spaces – an increase of 39% compared to the previous winter season, even with generally milder weather conditions this year.
The service provided a reliable, low-barrier way for individuals to access warmth, safety, and support during the overnight hours. Community members were able to call for themselves or others in need, and partner agencies – including APD, AFR, and Metro Security also utilized the service to help connect individuals to shelter on cold nights.
Approximately 81% of transports connected individuals to the City of Albuquerque’s Gateway System of Care. Additional transports supported access to other shelters and safe locations across the community, ensuring people had options based on their needs.
“Every night, this service created a direct pathway for people to come indoors, get warm, and connect to care,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This work reflects what’s possible when City departments come together with a shared goal, making sure no one has to face dangerous cold conditions alone.”
On nights with increased demand, ACS expanded operations by deploying additional transport vehicles to meet community need, helping ensure that anyone seeking shelter had a way to get there.
“This program is about meeting people where they are and removing barriers to safety” said ACS Director Jodie Esquibel. “Whether someone called for themselves, a loved one, or a stranger in need, our teams responded with compassion and urgency. We’re proud of the role this service plays in helping people access shelter, stabilize, and take steps toward long-term support.”
While the winter transportation service has now ended for the season, the City plans to continue offering this program in the future.
About Albuquerque Community Safety: Albuquerque Community Safety 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.