City Activates Cold Weather Resources as Temperatures Drop This Weekend
ACS, HHH coordinating outreach and overnight shelter capacity at Gateway West and Gateway Center to keep residents safe as lows hit the mid-30s
With overnight temperatures forecast to drop into the mid-30s this weekend, the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness (HHH) and Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) are activating cold weather resources to make sure residents experiencing homelessness have somewhere safe and warm to go. Shelter beds are available across Gateway West and Gateway Centers.
“When temperatures drop, we go to work,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Our teams are going out, checking on people, and helping them get somewhere warm and safe. We have shelter beds, transportation, and responders working together all weekend to get people out of the cold.”
“The Gateway System of Care exists for exactly these moments,” said Lisa Glow, Executive Director of the Gateway System of Care. “When the temperature drops, our sites stay open and our teams stay ready.”
“Our teams will be out this weekend doing proactive wellness checks in the areas where we know our unsheltered residents tend to be,” said Jodi Esquibel, Director of Albuquerque Community Safety. “We’re adding overtime staffing to make sure we have the coverage we need, and our goal is to connect people to warmth before the cold becomes a crisis.”
ACS Cold Weather Outreach
This weekend, ACS responders will conduct proactive outreach between calls — checking on unsheltered individuals and connecting those in need with transportation to available shelter and resources. ACS will adjust staffing based on operational needs, including adding overtime to expand overnight coverage and help meet community needs.
Beginning November 1, ACS will continue seasonal emergency overnight shelter transportation and operating nightly from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. and available to transport individuals to Gateway West, the First Responder Receiving Area (FRRA), and the Medical Sobering Center. A winter transport hotline will be announced at that time.
Gateway System of Care: Where to Go
Beds for those looking to get warm are available across the Gateway System of Care this weekend. Pets are welcome at Gateway spaces — please don’t leave animals behind.
Gateway West — A supportive shelter for families and individuals, with overnight beds, meals, and case management. Located at 7440 Jim McDowell NW │ 505-839-9193. Free bus service is available to Gateway West — visit https://www.cabq.gov/health-housing-homelessness/gateway-system-of-care/gateway-west for the current route schedule.
Gateway Center — The City’s flagship behavioral health and homelessness services campus, offering shelter, case management, medical and behavioral health services, and 24/7 first responder intake. Located at 5400 Gibson Blvd SE │ Men’s: 505-244-6808, Women’s: 505-244-6902.
First Responder Receiving Area (FRRA) — Located at Gateway Center, the FRRA is a 24/7 drop-off point operated by Community Bridges Inc. and available exclusively through first responder referral. During evening and overnight hours, the FRRA provides a safe resting space and connection to services.
Medical Sobering Center — Also located at Gateway Center, the 50-bed Medical Sobering Center provides clinical monitoring and support for individuals experiencing acute intoxication. Available 24/7 through first responder referral.
Learn more about all Gateway programs at cabq.gov/health-housing-homelessness/gateway-system-of-care. For more information about the Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness and its programs, visit cabq.gov/health-housing-homelessness or call 311.
About the City of Albuquerque Department of Health, Housing and Homelessness: The City of Albuquerque Department of Health, Housing and Homelessness leads the City’s coordinated response to homelessness and behavioral health through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and community-centered investments. From Gateway Center to city-wide shelter and housing initiatives, HHH is committed to building pathways to stability for every Albuquerque resident in need.
About Albuquerque Community Safety: Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.