Albuquerque Community Safety Connect to Care Event Reaches Record Number of Residents in Need
Event connected 169 attendees with critical services, care, and support
ALBUQUERQUE - The City of Albuquerque’s latest Albuquerque Community Safety Connect to Care event set a new record Tuesday, assisting 169 individuals experiencing homelessness with critical services and support, reflecting not only the growing reach of the initiative, but also the willingness of community members to seek help, resources and pathways toward stability.
This week the event connected attendees with identification services, medical and psychiatric care, housing navigation, food assistance, transportation, and pet support resources. Among the services provided were 60 ID vouchers and 22 temporary IDs printed onsite by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division. A total of 19 individuals received medical or psychiatric evaluations through UNM Mobile Medicine, while 17 housing assessments and five navigation referrals helped connect attendees to longer-term support. Four individuals were transported directly to shelter or other resources through warm hand-offs, including one veteran placement.
Immediate needs were also addressed through the distribution of 83 food bags from, 25 bags of dog and cat food, assistance with SNAP applications, transportation services, shelter and reunification referrals, and the distribution of 27 Narcan kits with overdose prevention education.
“ACS Connect to Care events are about meeting people where they are and removing barriers that often prevent them from accessing help,” said Jodie Esquibel, Director of Albuquerque Community Safety. “This record turnout shows the value of bringing services directly to our unhoused neighbors in one accessible location and connecting people with the support they need.”
“These events reflect Albuquerque’s commitment to compassion, coordination, and action,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “When our city departments, community organizations, and service providers come together, we can connect people to the resources they need to move toward stability and housing.”
ACS Connect to Care events take place bi-weekly and are coordinated through the City of Albuquerque’s Albuquerque Community Safety Department, bringing together local and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare providers to deliver direct services to people experiencing homelessness. The events are designed to streamline access to support and reduce barriers by offering multiple services in a single location.
Special thanks to community partners whose collaboration made this effort possible, including the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, UNM Mobile Medicine, Roadrunner Food Bank, Veteran’s Integration Center, NM Vets for Pets, and HopeWorks.
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.