Albuquerque City Councilor Joaquín Baca Successfully Sponsors Amendment adding $100,000 for Meals and Support to Unhoused Individuals Downtown
Amendment to the budget helps HopeWorks provide meals, daytime shelter, and critical resources to unhoused and housed community members every day.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Tonight, during the Committee of the Whole Budget Meeting, City Councilors voted 9-0 to approve an amendment introduced by City Councilor Joaquín Baca, District 2, to the FY27 Budget Resolution (C/S R-26-17). The amendment designates $100,000 within the Health, Housing, and Homelessness Department’s Homeless Support Services program specifically for HopeWorks day shelter operations and meal programs.
The $100,000 designation utilizes funding previously associated with the Motel Voucher Program, which is not currently operational, and directs those resources toward immediate, high-impact services. These funds will support HopeWorks in its mission to provide meals, daytime shelter, and critical resources to approximately 300 unhoused and precariously housed community members every day.
“HopeWorks is a vital partner in our city’s efforts to address homelessness, providing daily stability and safety for hundreds of our neighbors,” said City Councilor Joaquín Baca. “By redirecting these funds into active, proven programs like the day shelter and meal services, we are ensuring that City resources are hitting the ground where they are needed most. I am grateful to my colleagues on the City Council for their unanimous support of this essential service.”
HopeWorks serves as a key collaborator for the City’s Gateway West program, helping to connect individuals with the services and stability necessary to transition toward permanent housing.
City Councilor Baca remains dedicated to supporting local organizations that provide direct assistance and creating a more robust support network for all Albuquerque residents.