City Assists Family in Achieving Stability After Fleeing Domestic Violence Situation

ALBUQUERQUE – After fleeing a domestic violence situation and arriving in Albuquerque without stable housing or essential resources, a multigenerational family found a path to safety and stability with support from Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS).

The family faced an immediate risk of eviction, untreated medical needs, and the loss of critical identification documents. Following a referral from ACS Behavioral Health Responders, the ACS Community-Oriented Response & Assistance (CORA) team initiated a coordinated response to address the family’s urgent needs.

ACS CORA Responder Amanda Ellis met with the family to conduct an in-person assessment and provide immediate stabilization. She delivered emergency food assistance and worked swiftly to prevent eviction. Through coordination with a local hotel and a community church, Ellis helped secure funding for an extended hotel stay, allowing the family time to stabilize and plan next steps.

With the immediate crisis addressed, Ellis focused on longer-term housing solutions, connecting the family with Ponderosa Place, a temporary family shelter that offers a pathway toward long-term stability.

While housing arrangements were underway, Ellis ensured the family’s medical and documentation needs were addressed. She transported them to an ACS Connect to Care event, resource fairs designed to support individuals and families experiencing housing instability. At the event, family members received medical care and medications through the University of New Mexico Mobile Medical Team, and assistance replacing lost identification documents.

When the family reported that their car keys had been stolen, Ellis coordinated with Heading Home Street Connect to secure a replacement key, restoring the family’s ability to travel to medical appointments, access services, and pursue housing opportunities.

After weeks of coordinated intervention, follow-up, and support, the family was officially accepted into housing locally in our community, where they can begin to heal, regain stability, and rebuild their lives.

“When we join with community partners to support families in crisis, we fulfill the promise of Albuquerque by ensuring every resident has a path to stability and dignity,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Real solutions happen when compassion is paired with action.”

“Families escaping violence often arrive with little more than each other,” said ACS CORA Responder Amanda Ellis. “Our role is to meet them where they are, protect their dignity, and help them take meaningful steps toward safety and self-sufficiency. Moments like these are what drive our work every day.”

This case highlights the impact of ACS’s CORA team and the importance of coordinated compassionate responses in helping families move from crisis to safety and stability.

###

About Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS):
ACS is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. ACS Responders handle calls involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal, non-medical issues. To request an ACS Responder, call 911 for emergencies or 311 for non-emergencies.