Shelter Resources and Encampment Transparency

As part of the Metro Homeless Initiative, the City is working to provide an appropriate and effective response to support our neighborhoods and those who need assistance. In order to create lasting change and make a difference in as many lives as possible, multiple departments are working together to address encampments. We are listening to our residents needs and requests and we remain data informed to track our efforts and ensure resources are best allocated.

What Does a Response Look Like?

The City uses two levels to prioritize encampments. The priority levels determine where the City will dedicate resources and the amount of time it will permit before individuals are required to vacate an encampment.

The City designates encampments as Priority 1 if it has received reports that the individuals at the encampment are lighting fires or it has determined that removal of the encampment is necessary to abate an ongoing threat to the safety of persons or property or interference with the use of private property. Otherwise, the City designates encampments as Priority 1 if they are:

1. On any property along Central Avenue, including sidewalks and areas adjacent to sidewalks;
2. Within 300 feet of school property, day care centers and early education centers, school bus stops, and other facilities where children’s programming occurs. “School property” includes parks that are subject to Joint Use Agreements with Albuquerque Public Schools;
3. Within a City park;
4. On a roadway, or in such close proximity to a roadway that they creates a hazard for drivers, pedestrians, or the encampment residents;
5. On a highway on or off ramp, or in such close proximity that they creates a hazard;
6. On a footbridge over a roadway;
7. Blocking any portion of, or otherwise preventing passage along, any sidewalk, alley or other right of way;
8. On or within three feet of any bike trail;
9. At locations where the City conducts municipal operations, including but not limited to City offices, community centers, senior centers, multi-generational centers, early childhood development centers, fuel pumps, the BioPark, the Albuquerque International Sunport, Double Eagle II Airport, Albuquerque Shooting Range Park, the Rail Yards, transfer stations, City yards, and parking facilities;
10. On properties designated for the exclusive use of sporting activities, including golf courses, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, softball fields, soccer fields, walking trails, and skate parks when the encampment will interfere with the use of the property for that purpose;
11. In areas where the City is performing construction or maintenance;
12. In areas where access is restricted to the holder of a valid permit or for a scheduled event;
13. Within an arroyo, ditch, irrigation channels or other water conveyance system; or
14. On real property where the City rents apartments or otherwise provides housing, including City-owned apartments, hotels, and motels. 

The City will require all individuals to vacate a Priority 1 within two hours, unless a shorter period of time is necessary due to imminent hazards or other circumstances. The City will provide written notice at a Priority 1 encampment if possible, but otherwise will issue oral instructions to the individuals within the encampment.

The City designates all other encampments as Priority 2. The City will provide written notice at least 24 hours before clearing a Priority 2 encampment.

A reported site is assessed for the appropriate response including:

• Outreach
• Resources and information about shelters
• Addiction treatment
• Permanent housing options
• Abatement or code enforcement notification
• Storage offerings 

A notice is created and several City teams respond, including:

• InterACTION team
• Albuquerque Community Safety
• Code Enforcement

Read the Policy for Responding to Encampments on Public Property

Retrieve your Property

The City of Albuquerque provides storage for community members experiencing homelessness. Having a safe place to store belongings can take away a barrier to get into shelter and stability.

Individuals who use this service can retrieve their property by calling 311 to schedule a time for pick up. Pick up is available Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.