BioPark Gifts Passes to Families Experiencing Homelessness
ALBUQUERQUE—The Department of Arts and Culture recently gifted 100 Arts & Culture Family Passes for the BioPark, Albuquerque Museum, and Balloon Museum to families staying at the Family Gateway (formerly Family Housing Navigation Center). The donation will give families a well-deserved break on their path to affordable housing and other vital resources.
“This is a chance for families on the journey to stable housing to create unforgettable memories at our beautiful BioPark and museums,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Families navigating housing challenges deserve to have more moments of joy with their kids.”
“These tickets represent much more than a trip to the zoo or museum. They represent a break from the stress and worry that comes with experiencing homelessness as a child, while also having to balance school,” said Health, Housing, and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez. “Our Family Gateway is dedicated to helping families get back on their feet and into housing so they’re not left wondering what’s next.”
“By providing passes to families at the Family Gateway, we’re not only supporting their journey towards stable housing but also ensuring their children have opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with our arts and cultural venues," said Dr. Shelle Sanchez, director of Arts & Culture.
The Family Gateway is a safe space for families to stay as they’re connected to resources, including affordable and supportive housing.
Families are referred to the 90-day program, which can assist up to 65 families at once. The program has yielded hundreds of success stories and serves as a model the City is replicating at other sites, like the Gateway Center on Gibson. In fiscal year 2024, which runs from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, the Family Gateway served a remarkable 476 adults and 511 children. The average stay at the center is 84 days.
The center is operated by Heading Home at an undisclosed location for privacy reasons. Heading Home holds biweekly case conferencing meetings, where caseworkers help families determine the best method for obtaining access to housing, including through the City’s Housing Voucher Program. Additionally, the center works with the APS McKinley Vento program, which helps improve educational outcomes for children experiencing homelessness. Parents are also connected to job opportunities through the Department of Workforce Solutions.
The Family Gateway also prioritizes activities for kids, like going to the zoo, storytime events, arts and crafts, dance classes, and other opportunities, all thanks to our volunteers.
Read more about the Family Gateway and future opportunities to volunteer.