Staying Safe in the Heat
Health, Housing & Homelessness | High Heat Response
Extreme heat affects all of us. Whether you're concerned about a neighbor, struggling with a broken air conditioner, facing a utility shutoff, or experiencing homelessness, the City of Albuquerque's Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness can help connect you to resources and services that support health, safety, and stability during periods of extreme heat.
Through our Health and Social Service Centers, shelter system, community partners, and neighborhood-based resources, we help residents access cooling opportunities, hydration supplies, utility assistance, basic needs support, and other services designed to keep Albuquerque residents safe and connected during the hottest months of the year.
Extreme heat can be life-threatening. If someone is unresponsive, confused, has stopped sweating, or their skin is hot and dry, call 911 immediately.
Health & Social Services Centers
HHH’s four Health & Social Services Centers are open to any Albuquerque resident facing hardship. If your power is at risk of being shut off, if your household needs food assistance, or if you just need to connect with someone who can help you navigate your options, these centers are a resource for you and your family.
Staff can connect you with food, utility and rental assistance, eviction prevention, healthcare navigation, and other essential services. Each program has specific eligibility requirements. For more information, please contact the center that serves your area.
Alamosa Health & Social Services Center
6900 Gonzales SW — South Valley
505-836-8760 | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Food pantry, utility & rental assistance, eviction prevention, healthcare navigation, and more.
Dede Feldman Los Griegos Health & Social Services Center
1231 Candelaria NW — Northeast/Northwest Albuquerque
505-761-4050 | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Food pantry, utility & rental assistance, eviction prevention, healthcare navigation, and more.
John Marshall Health & Social Services Center
1500 Walter SE — Downtown corridor
505-848-1345 | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Food pantry, utility & rental assistance, eviction prevention, healthcare navigation, and more.
Ruth M. Adams Health & Social Services Center
7525 Zuni SE — International District
505-767-5700 | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Food pantry, utility & rental assistance, eviction prevention, healthcare navigation, and more.
Not sure which center serves your area? Find your designated center by address.
Gateway System of Care
The City’s Gateway System of Care is Albuquerque’s most comprehensive network of shelter and services for people experiencing homelessness. If you or someone you know needs a safe, air-conditioned space this summer, Gateway is the best place to start. Our goal is always to connect people to a full-service site where all their needs can be addressed in one place.
Pets are welcome at Gateway spaces. Please don’t leave your animals behind.
Gateway Center
A safe, supportive 660-bed facility for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering specialized resources and case management. The campus also provides medical and behavioral health services, first responder intake, medical sobering, and respite care with on-site clinical and social service partners.
5400 Gibson SE
505-537-8588
Gateway West
A supportive housing center for families, with overnight beds, meals, and case management focused on achieving stable housing. Gateway West is currently open and air-conditioned.
7400 Jim McDowell NW
505-839-9193
Bus schedule for pick up and drop off to Gateway West.
Nonprofit Partner Resources
HHH works closely with nonprofit partners across Albuquerque to support residents during periods of extreme heat. The organizations below provide a range of services, including outreach, water distribution, and connections to shelter and supportive services. Together, these partners serve residents citywide, including individuals who may not be connected to City services but still need assistance.
1201 3rd Street NW
505-242-4399 | Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2400 2nd Street NW
505-246-8001 | Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., open at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays
541 Mesilla St SE
505-604-6761 | Monday - Friday 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Saturday 12-3 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Encampment & Street Outreach Teams
HHH works closely with other City departments and partner agencies to support outreach efforts at encampments and unsheltered locations across Albuquerque. Outreach teams, which include the InterAction Team, Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), Albuquerque Police Department (APD), and other City departments, distribute water, conduct wellness checks, and connect individuals with cooling resources and other available services. Team members are trained to recognize and respond to signs of heat-related illness and help individuals access appropriate shelter, cooling locations, and support services.
The following organizations support our street outreach:
Heading Home: ABQ Street Connect
2040 4th NW
505-344-2323, Press 3
First Nations Community Healthsource
6416 Zuni SE
505-262-2481
Recognizing & Responding to Heat-Related Illness
Heat-related illness can happen to anyone — during yard work, a walk to the bus stop, or simply spending time in a home without air conditioning. Knowing the warning signs can save a life.
Heat Exhaustion
Signs include:
- Heavy sweating
- Cool, pale, or clammy skin
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Headache
What to do: Move to a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Sip water. If symptoms worsen or last more than one hour, call 911.
Heatstroke — Call 911
Signs include:
- High body temperature (103°F or higher)
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- No longer sweating despite the heat
What to do: Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler environment. Use cool cloths or ice packs on the neck, armpits, and groin. Do not give fluids if the person is unconscious.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Call 911.