Albuquerque Community Safety Partners with New Mexico MVD to Provide On-the-Spot IDs at ACS Connect to Care Events
A first step toward stability for Albuquerque’s unhoused neighbors
ALBUQUERQUE – The City of Albuquerque’s Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) Department is partnering with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to provide on-site state identification services for people experiencing homelessness at ACS Connect to Care events.
ACS Connect to Care is a free, twice-monthly pop-up resource event that brings essential services directly into neighborhoods where people experiencing homelessness live. Services include housing assessments, medical care, food assistance, and connections to social support. The goal is simple: make it easier for people to access help and begin a path toward stability.
Through this new partnership, MVD staff now attend Connect to Care events and issue temporary New Mexico IDs on the spot at no cost. ACS assists by notarizing affidavits of residency for participants who are unhoused, allowing the MVD to immediately print a temporary ID. Permanent IDs are mailed to a designated mailing address identified by the customer, often associated with a trusted local provider, to support secure receipt and pickup.
This service removes one of the biggest barriers people experiencing homelessness face. Without identification, it can be nearly impossible to access housing, healthcare, medications, or employment.
“Having IDs issued right here at ACS Connect to Care events is a major step forward in helping our unhoused neighbors access healthcare, housing, medications, and employment opportunities,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “It’s about dignity, opportunity, and removing barriers that too often hold people back.”
With temporary identification in hand, participants can immediately begin the process of applying for housing programs such as Section 8 and permanent supportive housing. IDs also allow individuals to access birth certificates, Social Security cards, prescribed medications, and other supportive services offered at the events.
“Identification is fundamental to accessing long-term support,” said Jodie Esquibel, Director of Albuquerque Community Safety. “This partnership with the MVD helps people move more quickly toward housing, services, and long-term stability.”
“MVD is proud to provide direct services to unhoused communities, removing an obstacle many unhoused people face in their path to stability,” said Htet Wint, Director of the Motor Vehicle Division. “This work reflects our commitment to making government services accessible to all New Mexicans.”
For more information about ACS Connect to Care events, visit cabq.gov/acs/street-outreach.